Positive Community Growth
In just ten years, we've disbursed over $4 million dollars to nonprofits. These loans have created and sustained more than 300 units of affordable homes and have affected approximately 21,000 low-wealth individuals. Our careful management of investment dollars facilitates giving that has far greater impact than traditional donating.

This innovative approach to social investing was developed by a group of Dane County residents who wanted to make a lasting impact on their community. The investment they made more than ten years ago has compounded over time, and is still used today to affect positive change. Here are just a few of the ways Forward Community Investments has taken investments and turned them into an opportunity to borrow so our community can grow.

Common Wealth Development
An organization committed to building and sustaining a vibrant, diverse, engaged, inclusive and safe community, used a $125,000 loan to purchase a property along the Yahara River Parkway. Rather than being converted into high-priced condos, the property now provides at least 11 housing units to lower-income people, and 35 housing to moderate-income people. In addition, there are nine fully barrier-free, wheelchair accessible units. This project is the cornerstone to inclusive development of the popular Yahara River Parkway area.

Madison Area Rehabilitation Center (MARC)
MARC used $58,700 to furnish and equip a rural community rehabilitation facility for clients with developmental disabilities. The facility empowers 95 adults with developmental disabilities by providing them with day services in jobs. As a result, they are able to become vibrant contributors to their communities.

Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development
Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development used $150,000 to fund pre-development expenses and $197,500 to fund construction costs for the Uplands, a 143-unit affordable/mixed-income housing development project in Sun Prairie. The development is in collaboration with the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin and Movin' Out, Inc. About half of the 143 units will be affordable to people whose income levels are at or below the county median income. The Uplands incorporates new urbanism design concepts, such as narrower streets with sidewalks, rear-entry garages, front porches, smaller, low-maintenance yards, and walking and biking paths that will help build a strong neighborhood.

Genesis Enterprise Center
An incubator for start-up and expanding small businesses that meet the social, economic and employment needs of minority residents in south Madison, used a loan of $200,000 to help refinance their mortgage. By taking advantage of lower interest rates, Genesis reduced monthly payments and increased cash flow. These dollars can now be used to support its mission of acting as a catalyst for economic development and revitalization in south Madison by attracting businesses that create challenging, well-paying jobs.

Atwood Community Center
In 2004, Atwood Community Center took out a loan of $60,000 for pre-development costs associated with a capital campaign to relocate the Center to a new building. This larger facility will consolidate programs and services that now take place over several properties. By operating under one roof, the center will achieve its potential as a critical neighborhood fixture for Madison's near east side. It will continue to provide a community atmosphere, identify and respond to community needs, promote recreational and cultural events, and create and coordinate meeting space, programs, information and services that reflect the community's ethnic and economic diversity.

Madison Area Community Land Trust
Madison Area Community Land Trust borrowed $300,000 to fund construction on the final phases of homes at Camino del Sol - an affordable housing project that will result in nine single family homes and two condominium style duplex units. All 11 homes will have wheelchair accessible first floors, including a full bath and a bedroom.