Marie Curie shared, “I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.” Much progress has been made in building a stronger nonprofit sector in Dane County. During 2005, we closed a record number of loans totaling over $1.8 million and we proffered hundreds of hours in financial and technical assistance. Yet, we see that much remains to be done throughout the state.

 

The nonprofit sector is a powerful instrument of change in our society. Yet there is not a statewide community development financial institution (CDFI) or loan fund poised to address the specific advocacy, training, real estate development and financing needs of the nonprofits that drive economies and sustain lives across our 72 counties.

 

The Dane Fund Board of Directors believes that must change in order to sustain Wisconsin as a healthy, vital and productive state. Thus, The Dane Fund is expanding its scope. As of January 1, 2006, we are serving nonprofits throughout Wisconsin, and we are doing so with a new name – Forward Community Investments.

 

As Forward Community Investments, we will build on an 11-year tradition of excellence and progress. Our purpose remains to foster and promote the never-ending cycle of progress that improves the social fabrics of our communities: ‘Give. Borrow.Grow.’ Yet, now our scope has shifted from Dane County to the state of Wisconsin.

 

The response has been wonderful. Investors have provided grant dollars and equity contributions totaling over $2 million. Nonprofit organizations from Eau Claire, Barneveld, Beloit and Milwaukee have contacted us with proposals for development. The Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation has offered operational support, and our Board of Directors has approved additional staff to build capacity in real estate services and advance our aggressive calendar of statewide workshops.

 

There are so many opportunities to support the economic growth of our communities and the progress of our nonprofit organizations in driving that growth. Please join us as we continue to achieve success and find new opportunities for making our communities stronger and more vibrant.