AZ02 Stories and Data

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!

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.

At Prestamos, we support CDFIs because they are a lifeline for underserved communities, providing access to capital and technical assistance where traditional financial institutions often fall short. CDFI funding enables us to offer flexible, culturally competent lending and support services that help small businesses grow, create jobs, and build generational wealth. Without CDFIs, too many communities would be left behind in our economic recovery and growth. We are proud to be part of the solution that bridges this equity gap.

CDFIs drive local economic growth by financing small businesses, creating jobs, and expanding affordable housing. They support rural and tribal communities, fund critical services like childcare and health clinics, and have invested $298 billion in underserved areas since 2010.