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 are boots on the grown and first responders standing by low-income communities every day, particularly during difficult economic times, to support small businesses with flexible loans and financial education and technical assistance. All this, to grow small businesses and feed the economy.
CDFIs are most proximate to communities needs and provide responsible, flexible capital solutions that support new business starts, job creation / retention, financial acumen building and skills development, and delivery of critical goods and services to opportunity rich communities.
CDFIs drive economic mobility in a way that positively transforms communities in many ways. It’s relevant for folks with a business/economy-first mentality to know: CDFIs create small businesses, develop financially stable households, and increase low-come families’ spending power. These are metrics that are meaningful to people of all political views. Investing in the CDFI Fund pays dividends to the broader economy. This is not a politically divisive line item in the budget. Fund the CDFI Fund!
CDFIs fill crucial gaps in the housing and community development ecosystem, supporting the creation and preservation of affordable housing and vital community facilities that help low-income individuals, families and communities thrive and live with dignity.