IFF is a mission driven lender and real estate consultant that offers support to nonprofit organizations throughout the Midwest.
Grounded in equity and deep sector expertise, IFF champions nonprofits to shape more equitable and vibrant communities through community-centered lending, development, and real estate consulting.
Since 1988, we have been working at the intersection of facilities and finance to help nonprofits serving a variety of sectors increase their financial stability and programmatic offerings, and achieve their missions. We do that by bringing together a powerful combination of financial solutions, real estate and development expertise, sector knowledge, and research and evaluation capacity to accelerate positive social impact and systems change.
Headquartered in Chicago, with regional offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, we serve nonprofits and communities throughout the Midwest.
IFF is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and one of only a few nationally to hold the top-ranked Aeris four-star rating for impact management and AAA rating for financial strength and performance.
Stronger ECE Spaces: An SNI program is all about helping child care providers in Detroit’s most underserved areas who are facing facilities challenges that put additional strain on their operations and finances. Stronger ECE Spaces is designed to give them the tools and support they need to stabilize their facilities and increase financial strength.
Eligibility criteria
- Child care business located in the City of Detroit.
- Registered with Great Start to Quality.
- Center-based provider OR a home-based provider planning to expand to a center.
- Active child care license, with at least one licensing renewal.
- The person completing the application and participating in the program must be authorized to make business decisions.
- Child care program is navigating facility challenges that may impact their business stability or disrupt their operations.
Expectations on engagement level
If accepted to the program, from January to December 2026, you will take part in six group sessions covering topics including, finances, child care facility challenges, and leading through systemic barriers.
After the group sessions, you will get 4–6 months of personalized 1-on-1 support—both financial and real estate—specific to your program’s goals and needs.
Application Timeline
We will review applications on a rolling basis and begin contacting candidates as soon as the week of Nov. 3 for a discussion of eligibility, child care business goals, and aspirations for participating in this program. These conversations will guide our selection process.
- Application Window: 10/6 12pm ET - 10/31 11:59pm ET
- Informal Interviews: November 9-Dec 5
- Applicants notified of status: December 19th