Economic Justice
The freedom to dream and be financially secure
Anchored by the Community Investment Fund, this program was initially formed as a housing-focused loan fund. By providing access to capital with fewer barriers, the Foundation is able to leverage its fiscal track record and portfolio management experience to combat historic disinvestment in Southern communities, support the essential work of emerging organizations, and seed socially conscious Louisiana ventures that find it difficult to access traditional funding sources due to systemic bias.
To date, the Economic Justice program has created countless jobs and opportunities by investing in those poised to make deep impact throughout Louisiana, building infrastructure and capacity, and transforming how communities access capital.
In addition to growing its general fund, the Economic Justice Program stewards a program-related investment (PRI) from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This loan program encourages economic development and direct technical assistance grants to build affordable housing, stabilize neighborhood-serving small businesses and has encouraged the growth and sustainability of retail outlets for fresh, healthy foods in communities.
To read more about FFL’s early investment in revitalizing Broad Street as a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive commercial corridor via the Broad Community Connection.