Forward Community Investments

Congratulations to Meta House, Inc. on the grand opening of Project Horizon! FCI is proud to have supported this transformative new campus and its mission to help Wisconsin women and families heal and thrive.

The expanded campus will increase access to family-centered treatment and provide a welcoming, supportive environment where mothers and children can heal together.

Celebrating a New Horizon: Meta House Opens Transformative Milwaukee Campus | Forward Community Investments Forward Community Investments (FCI) was honored to join Meta House, community members, supporters, and project partners on August 28 for the ribbon-cutting

Yesterday marked the first day of school for Adeline Montessori School in its new Waukesha home, and FCI is proud to have played a role in helping make this milestone possible.

In partnership with other lenders, FCI provided financing to support Adeline’s acquisition of the former Hawthorne Elementary School. The acquisition provided a turnkey opportunity for the growing tuition-free charter school to establish permanent roots and significantly expand its capacity.

With more room to grow, the new campus will allow Adeline to serve more students and expand local access to high-quality Montessori education, including its strong special education programming and transportation support.

Congratulations to the entire Adeline Montessori community on the start of an exciting new chapter!

Today, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to Raynetta "Ray" Hill, whose service on FCI's Board of Directors has come to a close.

Since joining the Board in March 2021, Ray has provided exceptional leadership to FCI, serving as Vice Chair, Co-Chair, and as a member of our Executive, Finance, and Lending Committees. Her thoughtful guidance, unwavering commitment, and passion for strengthening communities have helped shape FCI's growth and impact over the past several years.

"To know Ray is to know community. She is a fierce leader, advocate, and champion for community-focused work, and there is no question that FCI is a stronger organization today because of her contributions." — Ryan Zerwer, FCI President & CEO

Ray's leadership has left a lasting mark on our organization, and we are deeply grateful for the time, insight, and heart she has invested in FCI's mission.

Thank you, Ray, for your partnership and dedicated service. We wish you nothing but the very best as you continue making a difference in the communities you serve.

Affordable homeownership requires both access to quality homes and the financial resources to purchase them. FCI’s $8 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation to Acts Homes will support the acquisition and rehabilitation of 42 properties across Milwaukee and Rock counties, creating new opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes.

Expanding the Path to Homeownership: FCI's $8 Million NMTC Allocation Supports Acts Homes | Forward Community Investments An $8 million tax credit allocation and a new federal lending designation give Acts Homes additional tools to expand affordable homeownership across Milwaukee

Wisconsin childcare providers are facing an uncertain future following the expiration of critical stabilization funding at the end of June. Without continued support, many providers may be forced to raise tuition, reduce hours, limit enrollment, or close, placing even greater pressure on working families.

FCI is working closely with our childcare borrowers as they navigate this transition, and they remain open and committed to serving Wisconsin’s children and families. Learn more about the challenges they face and how you can support childcare providers in your community.

Wisconsin Childcare Providers Face Uncertain Future as Stabilization Funding Ends | Forward Community Investments When July began, childcare providers across Wisconsin entered a new financial reality. The Child Care Bridge Payments Program, which supplied monthly

Forward Community Investments has provided an $11 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation to support Kinship Community Food Center’s new 28,000-square-foot facility.

Located at the crossroads of the Riverwest and Harambee neighborhoods, the new center will expand access to fresh food, workforce training, wellness programming and essential support services, serving an estimated 22,000 people each year.

$11 Million in New Markets Tax Credit Allocation for Kinship Community Food Center’s New Milwaukee Facility | Forward Community Investments New 28,000-square-foot community food center will expand healthy food access, workforce training, wellness programming, and wraparound support for Milwaukee

Our own Kirby Toon, MBA has been featured in the Wisconsin School of Business’ 2026 “8 to Watch” list, recognizing alumni making a meaningful impact in their fields. As Director of Capital Strategy at Forward Community Investments, Kirby is helping expand access to capital for overlooked communities across Wisconsin, supporting community-centered projects and mission-driven investment in Madison and beyond.

Kirby Toon Named One of Wisconsin School of Business’ “8 to Watch” | Forward Community Investments We’re excited to celebrate Kirby Toon, BBA ’13, for being featured in the Wisconsin School of Business’ 2026 “8 to Watch” list, which highlights alumni making

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.