The impact that CDFI credit unions can make in lower income areas by providing financial tools for the community raises the financial independence of individuals in that area and then lessens the amount of ongoing aid that needs to be provided by the government directly to those communities.
CDFIs are very good stewards of federal dollars, both in terms of leveraging other resources and by making loans and investments with great repayment history.
CDFIs can provide financial tools tailored to the needs of their communities. As a non-profit CDFI serving low-income rural communities, this is very valuable.