Forward Community Investments

New 2025 impact report highlights FCI’s momentum: expanding access to capital, supporting local leaders, and strengthening communities across Wisconsin.

The report celebrates a year of meaningful progress, including community lending milestones, borrower success stories, strategic partnerships, and investments in projects that expand access to essential services, affordable housing, small business growth, and neighborhood revitalization.

Our Impact | Forward Community Investments | Wisconsin CDFI Forward Community Investments releases 2025 Impact Report, highlighting community lending, partnerships, & lasting impact across Wisconsin.

Please join us in welcoming Leah Vetch-Hayes as our new Office Operations Manager.

Leah brings a strong background in operations, executive support, and process improvement. Her work will be critical to ensuring our team stays efficient, collaborative and responsive helping us better serve partners and communities across Wisconsin.

Meet Leah, FCI’s New Office Operations Manager | Forward Community Investments Forward Community Investments is pleased to welcome Leah Vetch-Hayes as Office Operations Manager. In this role, Leah supports the organization’s day-to-day

We’re excited to welcome DeMariye Carpenter to the FCI team as our new Credit Analyst. Join us in celebrating his addition to the organization and the experience he brings to our mission-driven lending work.

FCI Welcomes DeMariye Carpenter as Credit Analyst | Forward Community Investments We are excited to welcome DeMariye Carpenter to FCI as our new Credit Analyst.

Forward Community Investments and FHLBank Chicago are investing in the next generation of affordable housing leaders through a $214,500 grant supporting UW-Madison’s new Housing Scholar Program.

Affordable Housing Initiative though the UW Housing Scholar Program | Forward Community Investments Forward Community Investments (FCI) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago are expanding their commitment to developing the next generation of affordable

Forward Community Investments celebrates Kaba-Baal LLC for expanding opportunities in affordable housing developments.

Kaba-Baal LLC and Partners Expand Pathways for Emerging Affordable Housing Developers | Forward Community Investments Forward Community Investments (FCI) mission of building strong communities starts by investing in the people who will shape them. Across Wisconsin, emerging

We’re proud to celebrate one of our borrowers, AK Development, led by Ariam Kesete, on receiving a $500,000 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Community Developer Grant Program.

Ariam Kesete | Forward Community Investments We’re proud to celebrate one of our borrowers, AK Development, led by Ariam Kesete, on receiving a $500,000 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of

Forward Community Investments was proud to attend the soft opening of Baked Lab’s new East Side storefront, celebrating the growth of this Madison dessert studio and the power of community-driven investment to help local entrepreneurs thrive. Baked Lab will be open for business starting Saturday, 2/21, from 11am-3pm.

Forward Community Investments Celebrates Baked Lab’s East Side Expansion | Forward Community Investments Forward Community Investments (FCI) joined the celebration of the soft opening of Baked Lab’s new retail storefront at 2044 Atwood Avenue on Madison’s East

Join FCI as our next Office Operations Manager and help support executive leadership and drive operational excellence. Accepting applications through Friday 2/20.

Office Operations Manager | Forward Community Investments FCI seeks a well-organized, high-energy operations team member to help our team run more smoothly and efficiently. The Office Operations Manager is

Little Tibet Market & Café is bringing culture, cuisine, and community together.

Borrower Highlight: Little Tibet Market & Cafe | Forward Community Investments This month, we’re excited to share a progress update on Little Tibet Market & Café, led by entrepreneur Namgyal Ponsar and her family.

A longtime Madison wellness destination is growing! FCI recently closed a loan supporting SolEscape Healing Arts to help complete a café and kava lounge build-out. This new space will bring community, conversation, and holistic healing to Williamson Street.

New Financing Supports Wellness Expansion at SolEscape Healing Arts in Madison, WI | Forward Community Investments We’re excited to announce a recent loan closing supporting SolEscape Healing Arts (R.E.A.L. Massage LLC), located at 1148 Williamson Street in Madison,