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 fill a vital role in economic growth of communities and prosperity for all Americans. The rigor and discipline that CDFIs employ proves that you can promote opportunity for all while making wise financing and lending decisions. CDFIs operate in the Abundance mentality and are focused on creating win-win scenarios.
CDFIs are a critical link for many low-income communities and individuals for financing that is not available from conventional sources.
CDFIs have a demonstrated track record of success: they often leverage every federal dollar to attract up to 12 times that amount in private investment, reaching borrowers that traditional banks overlook. Whether it’s a veteran-owned business in Montana, a farm in the Central Valley, or a childcare provider in the South Bronx, CDFIs meet communities where they are, providing not only loans but financial education, technical assistance, and long-term support. This is not a partisan issue. Nearly every congressional district in America benefits from the work of CDFIs, with 92% of House districts having at least one CDFI. CDFIs are an engine of local resilience-supporting job creation, small business formation, and upward mobility.
CDFIs provide opportunity for those who would otherwise not have access.