Chicago: Nonprofits Save Thousands Annually Through IFF's Energy Performance Program

In honor of Earth Day, last week IFF released a new video highlighting some of our customers' experiences saving money through our Energy Performance Program (E2P). The video features Gregory White, President & CEO of LEARN Charter School Network, and Robert Okazaki, Executive Director of Avenues to Independence.

Many nonprofits are thinking about the importance of "going green", but either don't have the resources or the capacity. IFF developed our Energy Performance Program (E2P) to help nonprofits in the Chicago Metro area to significantly lower energy bills through energy efficiency upgrades—we manage the entire process, our customers enjoy the savings.

With IFF's assistance, nonprofits like Avenues to Independence and LEARN are improving the health of their bottom line, the health of their clients, and the health of the environment. To watch the video and learn more about how IFF can help your organization save on energy costs, visit iff.org/sustainable-solutions.

Missouri: SouthSide Early Childhood Center Expansion

For 125 years SouthSide Early Childhood Center, formerly SSDN, has provided children from low-income families with a safe, nurturing, and educational environment while their parents are at work. Having operated out of an older facility with limited program space and high maintenance costs for many years, SouthSide approached the IFF Loan Program for financing to begin constructing a new facility that will allow for expansion, cost less to operate, and be specifically designed for early childhood education.

With the loan from IFF, SouthSide purchased an entire city block on the south side of St. Louis and plans to demolish the existing buildings to construct a new childhood center utilizing green construction techniques that will lead to a healthier and more efficient facility. The new building - a 19,000 square foot state of the art facility with ample outdoor space - is designed to promote learning and community engagement. With the new facility, SouthSide will have 43 additional slots available in its early care and education program, serving a total of 140 children.

SouthSide Executive Director Anne Kessen Lowell notes that the project will have impact on children, families and the community. "Our program provides exceptional early education for children living in poverty, and that gives them a great foundation for success in school and beyond. And, with a year-round, all-day program, we allow parents to work or to advance their own education. Our new building will hopefully lead to more positive commercial development around its location, which has seen a great deal of disinvestment over the years."

To learn more about IFF resources available for nonprofits in Missouri, visit iff.org/Missouri.

Illinois: IFF Implements NSP Funds to Revitalize Communities in Bellwood and Streator

IFF is implementing over $12 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds on behalf of the State of Illinois and Cook County, Illinois. NSP was designed to stabilize neighborhoods devastated by the foreclosure crisis. Recently, two of IFF's exciting NSP projects came to a close.

In Bellwood, IFF purchased three vacant, foreclosed single family homes. IFF's Real Estate Services then managed the rehab of the properties before selling them to income-eligible buyers at affordable rates. Three families are now living in previously unoccupied homes, helping stabilize the community.

In Streator, IFF partnered with Streator Unlimited, an agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities, to build a new Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) home. The new home is within walking distance of the day programs provided by Streator Unlimited and gives residents privacy and personal space while they develop independent living skills within the community. With the NSP funding from the State of Illinois, IFF will deliver a total of 14 supportive housing and group home projects in 10 communities to our nonprofit partners.

To learn more about how IFF is making supportive and affordable housing a reality, visit iff.org/iff-housing.

Wisconsin: Congratulations to IFF Customers Honored at MANDIs

Earlier this month, the following four IFF customers were honored for their extraordinary efforts to revitalize Milwaukee's central neighborhoods at LISC Milwaukee's 13th Annual Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs):

Veterans Manor, developed by the Center for Veterans Issues and Cardinal Capital, won the PNC Trail Blazer Award for its innovative approach to a community problem. Serving veterans who were homeless or at-risk of homelessness, Veterans Manor contains 52 affordable units and on-site counseling and job training.

Villard Square GrandFamily was awarded the State Farm Building Blocks Award as a real estate project that contributes significantly to the enhancement of the community. The project was developed by the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation and Gorman & Company and fulfills a significant neighborhood need by providing services and affordable housing for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) was awarded the BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award for its long-standing commitment to southeastern Wisconsin. Serving the area for 100 years, WCS has grown to provide over 40 programs to 2,000 individuals every year, many of whom are the most disenfranchised members of the community.

Select Milwaukee was a finalist for the BMO Harris Band Cornerstone Award. For over 20 years, Select Milwaukee has been creating affordable and sustainable homeownership opportunities. Over 2,000 Milwaukeeans have become homeowners through Select Milwaukee, and in the face of the housing crisis, they have helped 400 families save their homes.

Congratulations to all the MANDI finalists and winners! Your hard work has changed the lives of countless residents across southeastern Wisconsin.

To learn more about the great things our customers are doing in Wisconsin, visit iff.org/Wisconsin.

Around Town

Some of the events and conferences our staff will be attending in the next few weeks are listed below—we hope to see you there!

• Growing Home 10 Year Anniversary
  Chicago, May 1

• CORE/El Centro 10th Anniversary
  Milwaukee, May 2

• Community Advocates 24th Annual Spring Fling
  Milwaukee, May 3

• Downtown Montessori Academy Annual Auction
  Milwaukee, May 5

• Wisconsin Community Services 100th Anniversary
  Milwaukee, May 10

• County Green 2012
  Grayslake, Illinois, May 17

• Kansas CDFI Forum
  Kansas City, May 22