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Find similar grantsCommunity First® Capacity-Building Grant is sponsored by Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Provides funding to nonprofit community development lenders to strengthen financial position and operational efficiency.
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Community First Fund | FHLBC The Community First Fund is a $50 million revolving loan fund that provides direct support to community development financial institutions, community development loan funds, and state housing finance agencies serving Illinois and Wisconsin. It supplies lower-interest-rate, long-term financing to help recipients expand their capacity for affordable housing and economic development lending.
The Community First Fund provides organizations the resources they need to employ their expertise and allocate funds according to the demands they see at the local level. Among the unique features of the fund is its capacity to support economic development in addition to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago's traditional emphasis on affordable housing.
The Community First Fund’s mission is to provide access to capital that supports meeting affordable housing and economic development needs in the communities that FHLBank Chicago members serve in Illinois and Wisconsin. Mission-driven partners expand community lending impact.
Allies for Community Business Chicago Community Loan Fund Cinnaire Lending Corporation Community Investment Corporation Community Reinvestment Fund Forward Community Investments Benefits of a Revolving Loan Fund The Community First Fund is a revolving loan fund. FHLBank Chicago expects to be able to continue lending as loans are repaid, extending the life of the fund.
As the fund is replenished, opportunities may be created to continue to support existing partners and explore new partnerships that support the fund’s mission. The Community First Fund is separate from FHLBank Chicago’s Community Advances lending program.
In addition, it is funded separately from FHLBank Chicago’s traditional grant programs—the competitive Affordable Housing Program and Downpayment Plus® Programs—which will continue to be funded by FHLBank Chicago’s previous year’s net earnings.
Supporting Revenue-Based Financing for Local Entrepreneurs One example of the Community First Fund in action, Allies for Community Business (A4CB) received a second $750,000 loan disbursement from the Community First Fund to expand support for small business owners. The funding enables microloans and a new revenue-based financing pilot, which offers flexible repayment terms tied to monthly revenue.
A4CB provides capital, coaching, and connections to entrepreneurs, with a focus on those who are Black, Latino, women, or low-income. “Our average loan is $11,000, but some entrepreneurs need more and more flexibility,” said Brad McConnell, CEO of A4CB. “This pilot delivers larger capital and aligns repayment with revenue.
” One example is A & L Environmental LLC, founded by Lateshia Jackson and her husband Anthony. Initially limited to small demolition jobs, they struggled with upfront payroll costs. “Banks turned me down, but Allies said yes,” said Lateshia.
“They kept checking in and really want minority teams to grow. ” A & L has since worked on projects for the Chicago Housing Authority and HUD.
Community First Fund Resources Community First Fund Product Sheet The Community First Fund is a $50 million revolving loan fund that provides direct support to community development financial institutions, community development loan funds, and state housing finance agencies serving Illinois and Wisconsin.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Nonprofit, non-depository lenders in Illinois and Wisconsin. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $50,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
The Fund for Women & Girls Grant Program is sponsored by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). The Fund for Women & Girls, an initiative of TFEC, makes grants to local nonprofit organizations in specific South Central PA counties. The grants support projects that advance the lives of women and girls by providing opportunities to address basic needs, develop economic self-sufficiency, and strengthen health and safety needs.
VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, manage, and support volunteers. CNCS seeks to fund effective approaches that expand volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve problems. Specifically, the VGF grants will support efforts that expand the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit, manage, support and retain individuals to serve in high quality volunteer assignments.Applicants that receive funding under this Notice may directly carry out the activities supported under the award, or may carry out the activities by making sub-grants to community-based entities, supporting volunteer generation at these entities.). Funding Opportunity Number: AC-05-25-21. Assistance Listing: 94.021. Funding Instrument: G. Category: O. Award Amount: $6.1M total program funding.