The Process

Vision and Plans

“For which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” Luke 14:28 (NKJV)

The loan solution begins with a solid, well thought out vision and plan. Loans are a means to an end, providing the necessary capital to fund vision. Vision coupled with a financial plan is what this scripture is all about. The vision to “build a tower” is accompanied by a financial plan “count the cost…to finish it.

Foursquare Financial Solutions Loan Fund stands with you by first understanding your vision and then providing financial counsel to help your church count the cost and help determine “whether (you) have enough to finish it.

Process

  • Preliminary Loan Questionnaire
    The process begins with the church providing preliminary information. [To complete a preliminary loan questionnaire, click here.] Our Credit Analyst then evaluates that information to see how Foursquare Financial Solutions Loan Fund might be an asset to the church.
  • Consulting with Church Council
    After receiving all preliminary information, the preliminary analysis is completed and the church receives a high level overview of the potential loan terms (such as interest rate options, amortization period, loan term, amount) for discussion with their leadership council and determination if the church wants to proceed with making a formal application for the financing.
  • Formal Application
    If the decision is made to proceed with formal financing, the church receives a loan application to complete and a checklist of documents to provide.
  • Construction Loans
    If a construction loan is being requested, since construction loans carry a higher level of risk, very specific documents are required about the construction such as architect’s plans, costs, contractor information, evidence of insurance, and other related documents. In order to protect the church, FFS Loan Fund requires that the church utilize the services of their professional project control manager and prior approval of all invoices, including lien releases, before funding requests for payment. [For information about construction cost management, click here.] 
     
    Once all information is received from the church, it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for our Credit Analyst to prepare the credit memo and present the request to the FFS Loan Fund Board for approval.
  • FFSLF Approval Process
    If the loan is approved by the FFS Loan Fund Loan Committee, the church will receive a formal commitment letter detailing the terms and conditions of the loan approval and will have 30 days to decide to proceed with the approved loan by signing and returning the commitment letter to FFS Loan Fund.
  • ICFG Approval Process & Closing
    After receiving the signed commitment letter, there is a dual-track process, where ICFG Board approval will be requested by the ICFG Properties Department, and FFS Loan Fund will initiate the closing process for your loan.
  • Timing
    We understand that time is of the essence in lending, and our goal is to help you move through the lending process and obtain your answer as quickly and efficiently as possible. Typically it takes 3 to 4 weeks for both ICFG approval and for the loan to be subsequently closed. With construction loans, sometimes closing can take additional time due to the increased due diligence requirements both with FFS Loan Fund and ICFG.
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    Be assured that you and your church will have experienced FFS Loan Fund staff to help you through the process.