Illinois Finance Authority Programs Overview Webinar

Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) is a vital resource for rural economic development. As the state’s conduit issuer, it provides public agencies, nonprofits, and businesses with access to low‑cost capital for projects that drive economic development and improve quality of life. Whether it’s managing large-scale infrastructure projects, helping non-profits refinance debt, or supporting beginning farmers in acquiring land, the IFA bridges the gap between ambitious goals and affordable funding. Since 2004, IFA has supported thousands of projects across every Illinois county, and in 2021, it was designated as the State’s Climate Bank to advance equitable clean‑energy and climate‑resilience initiatives. IFA’s programs include Private Activity Bonds for 501(c)(3) organizations, Commercial PACE (C-PACE) financing for energy improvements, and specialized bonds for first‑time farmers. 

Join Illinois Extension for a webinar on how the IFA can bridge funding gaps for large-scale public improvements and clean energy initiatives, program eligibility, how community leaders can stay connected, and more information on evolving funding opportunities. Local government officials, economic development professionals, non-profit executives, and agricultural lenders are encouraged to attend, along with any community stakeholders interested in rural revitalization.

Speakers:

Jakub Budz is the Program Associate at the Illinois Finance Authority with over 2 years of experience developing and maintaining grant and loan programs under the Climate Bank. He focuses on managing projects and relationships with grantees, vendors, and others to ensure operational efficiency and compliance. Jakub holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. 

Matthew Marchbanks is the Climate Bank Associate at Illinois Finance Authority. Matthew is a graduate of Howard University and currently attends Rockford University’s MBA program. After completing the Illinois Finance Authority’s 2025 Annual Internship Program, he continued with the team as a Climate Bank Associate. In this capacity, Matthew primarily focuses on supporting Climate Bank programs and improving IFA outreach efforts across Illinois.