Capital Investments 
In 2001, PAVE became certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the first in the nation to focus exclusively on lending to urban schools. Thanks to the generous support of the Harry & Lynde Bradley Foundation, PAVE has been able to develop a revolving loan fund for urban Milwaukee schools, thus leveraging its capacity as a CDFI to make a positive impact on Milwaukee's educational landscape.
Since 2001, PAVE has invested over $16 million in expert technical assistance and low-interest loans to quality charter and choice schools in Milwaukee. These investments have leveraged over $60 million in successful school expansion projects, added to the economic vitality of Milwaukee's neighborhoods, and increased the number of quality educational options available to Milwaukee families.
For more information about PAVE's Capital Investments program, please call Dave Steele at 414.263.2970.
Expert Advice
While the leaders of high-performing schools know how to build a culture of high-expectations and create the environment and standards necessary to educate children, few have the training or time to develop the business and strategic plans necessary to launch successful expansion projects or major program development. PAVE offers urban schools technical assistance grants to hire the very best expert consultants to facilitate and develop these plans so that good schools can become great schools.
PAVE covers 90% of the cost of consultant fees, with the partnering school covering 10% of the cost at the outset of the project. Consultation services are tailored to meet specific objectives and to add real value to the school’s overall strategy to accomplish long term goals. Consultants are selected through a collaborative process between PAVE and its school partner.
Services include:
Strategic planning
Facilities planning
Financial planning
Real estate services
Architectural/engineering studies
Public relations/marketing support
Project Financing
When planning is complete, and a bricks-and-mortar expansion project gets underway, PAVE has the ability as a CDFI to participate with commercial banks, insurance companies and other lenders on construction loans and two to four year commercial loans to cover construction related debt. PAVE’s capacity as a CDFI allows for a markedly reduced interest rate, potentially saving the partnering school thousands of dollars in yearly debt service.
PAVE's financial partners in school expansion projects include:
-Associated Bank
-Catholic Knights Insurance
-Chase Bank
-IFF (Illinois Facilities Fund)
-Investors Bank
-Legacy Bank
-M&I Bank
-North Milwaukee State Bank
-Park Bank
-Thrivent Financial
-Waukesha State Bank
-Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Church Extension Fund