About Us
We believe in igniting our communities’ full potential by supporting local nonprofits, community organizations, and diverse developers with customized loans that fit their needs.
Our Story
When it comes to reducing social, economic and racial disparities in Wisconsin, Forward Community Investments is a relentless investor, connector and advisor. We are a community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides customized loan services help improve our borrower’s long-term financial viability and sustainability.
Since inception in 1994, we have deployed over $287 million dollars in capital in the form of loans, grants, tax credits, and equity investment into projects and individuals across Wisconsin communities, funding projects and initiatives that promote racial and social justice across the state.
We are constantly learning, growing, and doing our part to forge toward an equitable, inclusive Wisconsin built on cooperative social action.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
We are investor, connector, and advisor for organizations and initiatives that reduce social, racial, and economic disparities in Wisconsin Communities.
Our People
Our Vision
An equitable and inclusive Wisconsin built on cooperative social action, realized by mission-driven organizations and initiatives that work to reduce racial, social, and economic disparities.
Invest With Us
What is a CDFI?
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) are dedicated to providing fair, responsible financing to communities that mainstream finance does not traditionally reach and are certified by the US Department of Treasury. There are more than 1,300 CDFIs nationwide managing over $222B. There several types of CDFIs ranging from traditional banks to venture capital funds.
Forward Community Investments is a Community Development Loan Fund. These types of CDFIs provide flexible financing and development services to businesses, organizations, and individuals focused on making investments in disinvested communities. FCI focuses on deploying dollars to nonprofit organizations and diverse or emerging developers across Wisconsin that help advance our mission.
In addition to traditional loan financing, we are also a New Markets Tax Credit allocatee. Funding awarded through this program helps fund larger community facilities projects that help transform disinvested areas throughout the state.
You can learn more about CDFIs on the US Treasury website and on the Opportunity Finance Network website.
