Madison, Wis. – September 15, 2009 – Forward Community Investments (FCI) recently received a $50,000 multi-year grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation of St. Paul, Minn. The grant will allow FCI to continue to expand its nonprofit lending services and technical assistance into Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Dunn, Polk, St. Croix and Washburn counties.

FCI will use grant proceeds to assist nonprofit organizations in strengthening their financial capacity and business acumen, allowing them to meet the increased demands placed upon them in this challenging economic climate.

“Forward Community Investments is thrilled for the support from the Otto Bremer Foundation. The grant continues to strengthen the partnership between FCI and the Foundation.” said Salli Martyniak, Forward Community Investments’ president. “Otto Bremer has an excellent reputation of meeting the needs of nonprofit organization in northwestern Wisconsin and FCI is pleased for the opportunity to increase our outreach to those same nonprofits.”

Forward Community Investments’ work in northwest Wisconsin represents a larger commitment in working with nonprofits across the state, whether providing low-interest loans or high-quality financial technical assistance to qualified organizations.

About Otto Bremer Foundation
The mission of the Otto Bremer Foundation is to assist people in achieving full economic, civic and social participation in and for the betterment of their communities. Beneficiaries must reside in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota, with preference given to those in regions served by Bremer banks.

About Forward Community Investments:
Forward Community Investments expands the financial capacity of Wisconsin nonprofits through low-cost flexible financing and technical assistance. Since its inception in 1994, Forward Community Investments has disbursed more than $15 million to nonprofits whose mission is to benefit low- and moderate-income people and disadvantaged communities throughout Wisconsin.

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