March 10, 2026
At the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), we believe community impact is strongest when we nurture it intentionally. Through strategic impact investing, we plant financial seeds that not only generate measurable returns but also strengthen the systems that help Washtenaw County thrive.
Today, we are excited to share that two of those investments, made through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), have been successfully repaid in full. These funds are now ready to be reinvested back into our community, continuing a cycle of opportunity, growth, and resilience.
Investing in Housing, Childcare, and Food Systems
In 2019, AAACF made two $250,000, five-year impact investments designed to address critical community needs:
A $250,000 investment with IFF, a CDFI focused on affordable housing and childcare infrastructure. This investment enabled IFF to finance projects in Washtenaw County that expand access to safe housing and high-quality early childhood spaces.
A $250,000 investment with Fair Food Fund, a CDFI dedicated to strengthening food supply chains and supporting food entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, capital was deployed to local food providers working to meet community demand and build a more equitable food system.
Over the course of five years, these investments helped fuel multiple projects across the county, supporting businesses, strengthening infrastructure, and addressing gaps in essential services.
One example of this local impact is Unity Vibration Kombucha, a Ypsilanti Township-based kombucha company that received investment support through the Fair Food Fund. Businesses like Unity Vibration contribute not only to our local economy but to a vibrant, innovative food ecosystem rooted in community.
A Sustainable Cycle of Community Growth
Impact Investing is one way AAACF lives out our commitment to S.E.E.D.S., strengthening the roots of Washtenaw County through thoughtful stewardship, intentional partnerships, and shared responsibility.
Rather than distributing funds once, this approach allows capital to circulate. As loans are repaid, those dollars return to AAACF and can be reinvested to support new projects and emerging needs. It is a model that waters our local landscape continuously, ensuring long-term benefit for residents, families, and entrepreneurs alike.
These successful repayments demonstrate both the strength of our community partners and the power of aligning financial tools with mission-driven goals.
Looking Ahead
Frances Todoro-Hargreaves, AAACF Impact Investing Manager, reflected on this milestone with pride and optimism:
“Impact Investing allows us to plant seeds that keep growing. Seeing these funds successfully deployed, repaid, and ready to be reinvested is a powerful reminder that when we invest in Washtenaw County, we invest in lasting opportunity. We’re excited to continue guiding resources where they can create the greatest impact.”
We are grateful to our CDFI partners, the organizations and entrepreneurs they support, and the broader community working together to build a more resilient local economy.
As these funds are reinvested, we look forward to continuing this cycle, strengthening our roots, nourishing opportunity, and ensuring that Washtenaw County remains a place where all can thrive.
To learn more about AAACF Impact Investing and how you can help support your community in Washtenaw County, contact Frances Todoro-Hargreaves, Impact Investing Manager, FTodoro-Hargreaves@aaacf.org.
AAACF Celebrates Repaid Impact Investments, Renewing Capital for Washtenaw County Communities
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