Investors and Funders
Stronger Children, Communities and Economies
- Quality child care drives economic growth — it allows parents to work, supports businesses, prepares children for future success, and strengthens communities.
- First Children’s Finance Loan Fund provides the capital that brings child care dreams to life, investing in businesses owned by LMI individuals and those serving economically challenged families.
Connect with Ericka Warmack, Director of National Lending
Ready to discuss your investment or partnership opportunities? Contact Ericka today!
Direct: 612-294-0083 Email: erickaw@firstchildrensfinance.org
Financial Strength
- 30+ year track record of lending to child care businesses
- 2.9% average loan loss rate over the last 4 years, demonstrating strong underwriting practices
- 1.8% average delinquency rate over the last 4 years, with strong repayment performance
- Lending across nine states with an expanding footprint: Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin
- Government-backed lending through SBA and MN DEED loan guarantee programs to mitigate risk and enhance portfolio security
- Actively exploring strategic partnerships to expand lending capacity
Flexible Investment Opportunities
We offer various ways for investors to partner with us and support our mission. To maximize our impact on the child care sector and ensure our long-term sustainability, we rely on a combination of debt and grant capital.
Debt Capital
Invest in our Loan Fund and directly finance loans to child care businesses. We offer competitive rates and flexible terms, and use government guarantees, like SBA and MN DEED loan guarantee programs, when applicable.
Grants: Loan Fund Essential Functions
Why Grants Matter: While debt capital is essential, it does not cover the full cost of running our Loan Fund or providing the extensive, time-sensitive support our borrowers need.
How Grants are Used
Grants support our essential operations, allowing us to:
- Invest in technology infrastructure
- Maintain a talented and committed team
- Develop effective programs
Increase the chances of success for child care businesses, by offering:
- Coaching
- Consulting
- Individualized guidance throughout the entire borrower journey
Types of Grant Support
We welcome grants for:
- Capacity-building
- Operations
- Technical assistance
- Pairing with our loans to borrowers
Program-Related Investments (PRIs)
As a foundation, align your investment portfolio with your philanthropic goals. PRIs can include low-interest loans and loan guarantees.
Our Loan Fund attracts a wide range of investors including:
Your Investment at Work
- Over $20 million in loans funded
- Over 26,000 child care slots created or retained
- Over 4,000 child care jobs created or retained
- Over 800 loans
Take the Next Step
Contact Ericka Warmack, Director of National Lending, to discuss how your investment can make a difference.
Direct: 612-294-0083
MN SBA Microlender SBA CA SBLC Guarantee Program – MN, MI, IA, ND, SD, IA, MO, WI Only