Forward Community Investments (FCI) mission of building strong communities starts by investing in the people who will shape them. Across Wisconsin, emerging developers, students, and community leaders are stepping forward with new ideas for affordable housing, and we’re proud to support the pathways that help them succeed.
Today, we are excited to celebrate Kaba Bah of Kaba-Baal LLC, recipient of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Community First® Developer Program grants.
Through this program, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago awarded $5.9 million in funding across Illinois and Wisconsin, supporting more than 110 fellowships and internships at 28 organizations. These investments are designed to strengthen the pipeline of emerging real estate developers who are committed to expanding access to affordable housing and advancing community development throughout the region.
One of those investments is a $241,000 grant awarded by FHLBank Chicago and delivered through Forward Community Investments to support Kaba-Baal LLC, a Madison-based development firm founded by Kaba Bah. His work centers on creating homeownership opportunities that strengthen neighborhood stability and help families build long-term security.
The Developer Program will help create fellowships and internship opportunities that give emerging professionals hands-on experience in affordable housing development. Participants will gain practical exposure to project management, planning, and community engagement.
By supporting these experiences, the program helps open doors for individuals who may not otherwise have access to careers in real estate development. It also strengthens the long-term capacity of the affordable housing field by cultivating a diverse and skilled generation of future leaders.
FCI is proud to have served as the member sponsor for the grant application, partnering with organizations that are deeply committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities across Wisconsin. Partnering with organizations like the FHLBank Chicago and Kaba-Baal LLC, we are helping create opportunities that will shape the future of affordable housing.