Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF) is a statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Established in 1994 as a 501(c)(3), we are a mission-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving low-income communities throughout Florida by delivering flexible financing and staff expertise. Learn more about Our Impact.
Our lending provides various types of financing to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations and mission-based for-profit organizations that develop affordable housing, supportive housing, community facilities, and economic development projects. This financing can include loans for new construction, preservation, rehab, acquisition, lines of credit, and/or longer term permanent financing. Learn more about Borrowing from FCLF.
Our financing is made possible by FCLF's strong track record of performance and partnership with investors. These investors include financial institutions, religious organizations, foundations, government entities, nonprofits, corporations and individuals – all of which support FCLF's mission in various ways. Learn more about Investing in FCLF.
OUR CORE PURPOSE.
FCLF exists to maximize opportunities for people and places outside of the economic mainstream.
OUR VISION.
Opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
OUR MISSION.
Our expertise and capital make projects successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
We Believe In A THRIVING FLORIDA FOR ALL
Building a strong Florida together.
FCLF champions opportunity and dignity for every person and community in Florida. We partner with organizations that create access to affordable housing and essential services for all Floridians, particularly in communities of color. We are committed to providing capital for organizations serving and led by people of color and to measure our impact on expanding access to resources.
Our History
1994
FCLF was founded to support community development across Florida. FCLF Founding Board Member Sister Mary Heyser of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary inspired leaders statewide to capitalize “the Loan Fund.”
1996
Under the wisdom and leadership of our founders, FCLF became Florida’s first statewide certified CDFI. We made our first loan for $50,000 to provide 7 single family homes for low-income households.
2004
FCLF became certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE) by the U.S. Dept. of Treasury and began our New Markets Tax Credit program. The NMTC program continues to have a high impact on economic development and jobs creation.
2009
Coming out of the Great Recession stronger than ever, FCLF remained patient and persistent as we worked alongside community developers. We also received our first major support from the State of Florida to preserve affordable multifamily housing.
2014
2014 was a record-setting year for FCLF, as we deployed over $45 million in financing in a single year – a number that has continued to increase in subsequent years. In 2014, FCLF was one of 3 CDFIs awarded the national Wells Fargo NEXT Opportunity Award.
2018
By 2018, FCLF's total assets had grown to $71 million through management of our loan portfolio improving low-income communities. We were recognized for our hard work and impact with an NMTC Allocation award and a CDFI Award including Florida's only award for HFFI (Healthy Food Financing Initiative) and Disability Finance.
2022
FCLF continues to grow and evolve with net assets totaling $108 million and 411 loans closed. Over the past 2 years we reacted swiftly to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating emergency relief loan programs for FCLF borrowers, and partnering with fellow CDFI CRF to offer Paycheck Protection Program loans.
2025
We’ve been a Florida-based CDFI for 30 years and we're celebrating! Serving all of Florida, FCLF provides affordable housing and essential services to 2.65 million Floridians every year. We will continue to create high social impact in low-income communities for decades to come.
OUR IMPACT
All FCLF-financed projects have a direct social impact on the low-income communities we serve.
Florida Community Loan Fund mourns the passing of retired Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Esteban.
NeighborWorks America Visionary Leader Award recognizes Ignacio Esteban and Germaine Smith-Baugh Ed.D.
Ignacio Esteban retires as FCLF CEO; Tammy Thomas to serve as Interim CEO.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Need additional information? Here are PDF documents and links to affiliated organizations.
Our Team
FCLF’s Team consists of individuals dedicated to maximizing opportunities for people and places outside the economic mainstream. We are committed to putting our expertise to work to make projects successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
Hailey Garrett
Hailey Garrett is a member of the loan administration team that is responsible for servicing FCLF’s diverse portfolio of community and economic development loan programs. Ms. Garrett works with loan officers to prepare loan documents, oversee execution of loan and other documents, administer construction draws, review covenant compliance issues, and maintain loan file documentation. Ms. Garrett joined FCLF in 2025, bringing with her 5 years of experience in banking, with a strong focus on commercial real estate lending, document preparation, and construction loan administration. She is well-versed in LaserPro loan software and possesses an in-depth understanding of banking operations. Ms. Garrett holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Organizational Management and Leadership from Seminole State College of Florida.
-
Loan Portfolio Administrator
Hear From Our Partners
"FCLF is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO
Metropolitan Ministries
"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
"FCLF has a keen knowledge of Florida challenges & opportunities. We are confident our investment will be used to improve lives." – Kathleen Rizzo Young, Sr. VP, Community Development
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
"FCLF plays a significant role in sustaining vibrant and thriving communities. We are pleased to support your ongoing community based efforts." – Ernie Diaz, South Florida Market President
TD Charitable Foundation
"We're thrilled to partner with FCLF to make our project a reality to serve generations of kids in our community." – Dawn Stanhope, President & CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
"BankUnited understands the challenges facing our communities; we applaud FCLF's efforts. Thank you for making our community a better place to live." – Katrina Wright, VP Comm. Dev.
BankUnited
"We are proud to continue our support of the Florida Community Loan Fund." – Jodie Hardman, SVP, Marketing Mgr, Corp Social Responsibility
Bank of America
"We admire your passion for improving our nation’s communities. We hope that together we can continue closing the gap between people and opportunities." – Zack Boyers, Chairman & CEO
US Bancorp CDC
“FCLF does more than finance deals; they make true community investments."– Mandy Bartle, Executive Director
South Florida Community Land Trust
“Thanks to FCLF we’re able to provide brand-new safe, affordable homes for 90 families in a sustainable mixed-use, mixed-income community." – Mitchell Rosenstein, Founder & Principal
Green Mills Group
“We are grateful for FCLF’s partnership. This is what is possible when a community comes together for its most vulnerable neighbors."– Stephanie Berman-Eisenberg, Pres/CEO
Carrfour Supportive Hsng Apollo Gardens
"We appreciate how the work of FCLF primarily benefits low- to moderate-income individuals and areas and supports the needs of our community." – Maria J. Thompson, Community Development Manager
Third Federal Savings
“The collaboration between Evara Health and FCLF stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and innovative financing."– Edward Kucher, Chief Regulatory Officer
Evara Health
"This renovation marks a significant milestone in our 38-year history. We are grateful for FCLF's support and for helping us further our mission." – Nina Yon, President & CEO
The Sharing Center
"Thanks to FCLF on behalf of the many women and children served by our team. We have seen thousands of lives changed and NMTC financing was an extraordinary boost." – Constance Collins, Presi
Lotus Village
“Thank you FCLF for assisting me with this project. Soon we will have affordable housing ready, and the community is proud to welcome new families."– Robyn Yant, Owner & Founder
Impactful Investment Partners
“Our partnership with FCLF makes an enormous difference in overcoming the challenge of providing affordable housing." – Jo Ann Nesbitt, President/CEO
St. Jude Great Commission CDC
Partnering with FCLF allows PNC to help build strong communities. - Aileen Pruitt, Florida Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking
PNC Bank
“Expanding our facility with NMTC financing provides the Overtown community resources necessary to provide a fighting chance to break down barriers and break the cycles of poverty.” – Tina Brown, CEO
OYC Miami
"FCLF understands and is a part of what we are doing: helping families have the American dream of owning a home." – Isaac Simhon, Executive Director
Housing Programs, Inc.
Core Purpose FCLF exists to maximize opportunities for people and places outside of the economic mainstream.
Our Vision Opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
Our Mission Our expertise and capital make projects successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
Sign Up for our Newsletter
©2026 FCLF - Florida Community Loan Fund, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Sitemap