There are a lot of problems in the world that need tackling. Many of them are too big for one person to make a huge difference. The challenge comes to us then, to do our little part in a way that is meaningful, effective and efficient.
So many different things affect whether or not a community is vibrant, safe, and thriving. Supporting local businesses (with the help of groups like Local First Milwaukee) helps to financially support a community and to preserve the diversity of economic character in an area. Arts groups (like AWE and the Boulevard Theatre), help keep the imagination of children growing and an appreciation of the arts alive in adults. Groups like Growing Power and Slow Food WI-SE help the community to understand its food system better–where the food comes from and what a difference good food makes. All of these initiatives–local business, local arts, local foods–these all contribute to a community’s health. In the world we inhabit though, those great ideas can only go so far on their own. Many non-profits struggle with implementing their missions due to a lack of capital. Today I got to talk with Salli Martyniak (pictured below) of Forward Community Investments, a non-profit that looks to fix that problem.
Forward Community Investments is a Madison-based non-profit that assists WI non-profits in “making strategic financial decisions and to build financial capacity for greater success today and tomorrow.” Basically stated, FCI makes low-interest loans to non-profits in order to allow those recipient non-profits to carry on and enlarge their mission capacity; FCI helps non-profits to make an even bigger difference in their particular mission.
What is interesting to me is where the money for these loans comes from. The capital comes from many sources – various banks, foundations, religious organizations, and, here’s the clincher for me-from individuals. You and I can loan money to FCI, who in turn will loan it to the requesting non-profits. In the end, an individual investor gets their money back, with interest, and a non-profit gets the chance to grow.
There are many ways to bring change into the world-growing a garden, drawing with your kid or buying from a mom-and-pop shop, for instance. And now here’s another way to make a difference and you get to make interest! For more information on Forward Community Investments click this LINK or call FCI at 608-257-3863.
