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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.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nonprofit, non-depository lenders in Illinois and Wisconsin. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $50,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Community First® Capacity-Building Grant is funded by Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Wisconsin and Illinois. Check the official notice for exact location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.
The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.
Bank of America's Neighborhood Builders 2026 application closes July 1. The $300M-since-2004 program awards $100K–$400K plus a leadership program, but the 10-percent-of-revenue cap and market-eligibility rules quietly filter out most applicants before reviewers ever see a proposal.
Read articleThe 2026 Neighborhood Builders application window runs June 1 to July 1. The award combines unrestricted operating support, executive coaching, and an emerging-leader development track — a structure most corporate grants don't offer at this scale.
Read articleThe Maryland Clean Energy Center's Climate Catalytic Capital Fund opened May 13 with two application windows closing in late May and late June. Three product lines — bridge loans, lines of credit, feasibility grants — are designed to plug the gap left by IRA tax credit uncertainty.
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