CDFI Stories Stories and Data

Meet Allison Bell, Owner of Little Things Preschool and Daycare
Rebuilding Together
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation Lending in PA District 1
CDVCA Invests in Goodwrx

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.

CDFI Investment Map

Mapped CDFI investment data (2005-2023), via the CDFI Coalition's partnership with CDFI Friendly America.

CDFI Advocacy App

Want more state data? Check out CDFI Friendly America's mobile-friendly CDFI Advocacy App for impacts from 2005-2023.

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) plays a vital role in building a strong economy! CDFIs are one of the country’s most effective examples of public-private partnership. They attract private capital to help families buy homes, schools and health centers expand, small businesses grow, and communities thrive – especially in places traditional investors don’t reach on their own. CDFIs are important partners in deploying tax credit programs, such as New Markets Tax Credits, which incentivize investments while reducing taxpayer burden. Some of America’s greatest achievements – from the moon landing (and even modern space exploration) to the birth of Silicon Valley – happened because government had the vision to catalyze private innovation and investment. CDFIs operate in that same spirit.   Every day we see how smart, targeted investments unlock opportunity and drive prosperity that benefits everyone. CDFIs are effective because they fuel American ingenuity in the places it exists, which is everywhere!

Annie Donovan, Raza Development Fund, Phoenix, AZ

We have been able to utilize NMTC and without this financing many of the projects we have done in Minneapolis would not have been possible. It’s been a wonderful facility to support small businesses, economic development, and critical services to low-income communities. Please continue these programs, they do make a difference.

Joshua Howe, Optimistic Partners, Saint Paul, MN

As a Native CDFI, funding from the CDFI Fund provides Native communities with access to capital that would otherwise be unavailable. Due to the complexities of tribal lands, traditional banks do not offer the same financial opportunities. Native CDFIs, supported by the CDFI Fund, are bridging this gap by providing equitable access to capital in ways that were previously unheard of.

Matthew Lewis, Four Directions Development Corporation, Orono, ME

CDFIs support individuals, small businesses, community facilities in rural, metro, and Native communities in every state in the nation. CDFIs have enjoyed widespread bipartisan support for decades. They leverage federal government dollars with bank and other private sector support. They are a smart and efficient market solution the federal government should be proud to support.

Donna Fabiani, Fabiani Advisors LLC, Washington, DC