Thank you to our partners at Inclusive and CDBA for sharing data on CDFI Bank and CDFI Credit Union branch locations. In addition, about 100 of our CDFI Stories come from OFN’s story database.
CDFIs provide access to critical financial services and education in a way that’s accessible to and designed for low income and low wealth people and families. CDFIs help strengthen the US economy by expanding opportunities for homeownership, small business, and consumer credit., and federal grants to CDFIs are leveraged many times over by private capital. Due to the success of this work, the CDFI Fund has been sustained by broad, bipartisan support for 25 years.
The AZ CDFI Network supports CDFIs because they are essential drivers of economic growth and stability across Arizona. In both rural and urban areas, CDFIs provide critical access to capital, credit, and financial services for small businesses, affordable housing developments, and community facilities. As a statewide coalition of community-focused lenders, we see firsthand how CDFIs strengthen local economies, support entrepreneurs, and create jobs. Continued investment in the CDFI Fund ensures that communities across Arizona have the resources they need to grow and prosper.
CDFIs make a difference in people’s lives and in our communities. They encourage development and entrepreneurship that amplifies beyond the appropriations requested. Investing in the CDFI fund is an important investment that brings real, tangible results.
The financial education offered by Native CDFIs has been making huge impacts within the community. I have been involved in the CDFI network for 8 years and am seeing the positive results. This is especially critical for the younger generations.