CDFI Friendly America

Research by JCF CCIA Network Coordinator?National Bankers Association?sheds light on the transformative role Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) play in advancing social impact and supporting underserved communities. The research also identifies actionable strategies for partnerships that can further amplify the impact of MDIs — particularly in areas like capital deployment, consumer education, and climate-related projects. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gU76kycf

With a significant number of new faces in Congress, it’s crucial to educate policymakers about #CDFIs. Use OFN’s Policy Action Center to make your voice heard. Take action for CDFIs today! Get started: https://lnkd.in/eWR-d8db #CDFIAdvocacy #OFNAction

Ready to boost your business this holiday season? If you need extra working capital to make the most of holiday sales, there’s still time to apply for an Allies for Community Business loan! Complete your application by December 1 to secure funding by the end of 2024. Reach out to them to schedule a 15-minute session with a Community Lender at 312-929-1952 or [email protected].

Happy Thanksgiving from CDFI Friendly! Sitting around our Thanksgiving tables today, we are grateful for our loved ones and the chance to share a wonderful meal. On this holiday, it is important to remember that not everyone has the privilege of a table full of food. ? Approximately 39% of the American population is living in a food desert, without easy access to fresh, healthy food. Food insecurity in food deserts is a serious problem and #CDFIs are trying to tackle it by helping communities open more grocery stores, providing loans for sustainable agriculture, and establishing community markets. Read more in our new blog post: https://lnkd.in/deJTbdcy Foodshed Capital Capital Impact Partners

Have you visited our CDFI Market Map page recently? In addition to the Lending Sector Desert layers we added in October, you can now find links to 2 new webpages where you can scroll through the full lists of CDFI Deserts and sector-specific CDFI Deserts, organized by state. Check them out here:?CDFIMarketMap.com Your feedback is helping us make adjustments and new versions of this tool, so feel free to send any questions or suggestions to [email protected]. #CDFIs #Communitydevelopment #CDFIMarketMap

At the end of October, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released their National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, which aims to expand access to secure, affordable financial services across the country, especially in underserved communities. The strategy includes five key objectives: ? 1. Promote access to transaction accounts: Enable more consumers to open accounts and access banking services. 2. Increase access to safe, affordable credit: Use alternative data to help more individuals build credit histories. 3. Expand savings and investment opportunities: Support emergency and retirement savings. 4. Improve inclusivity in government financial products: Ensure public financial services are accessible to all. 5. Foster trust by protecting consumers: Combat predatory practices to build consumer confidence. ? The treasury aims to reduce financial disparities, build resilience, and empower all communities through focusing on these five objectives. Learn more by reading their strategy (links in comments).

We're thrilled to see capacity building happening in #Tulsa alongside CDFI Friendly Tulsa! Accessible housing is essential in every community and we're excited to see where this partnership leads.

Empowering Communities: How CDFIs are Fueling Fort Worth's Business Growth! https://lnkd.in/gNye7sDh

A new administration and Congress bring changes, but also opportunities! OFN is prepared to advocate for #CDFI funding, educate new policymakers, and build a stronger future for underserved communities. Read our latest blog for insights and updates: https://lnkd.in/eWR-d8db #CDFIPolicy #2024Elections #Advocacy

The Celebrating Minority Business Dinner from the Greater Elkhart Chamber Business Diversity Initiative last week was fantastic! It was great to see a wide range of diverse businesses in our region and all the businesses and programs here to support them. Our board member Paula Sours served on their panel of experts and did a great job! We got a shout out for our work from Redgina Hill, PhD, and always love to hear great insights from Bethany Hartley and Maria J. Rojas. Awesome panel! Congrats to all the award winners as well on your well deserved recognition! Thank you Levon Johnson and team for hosting a great event! #CDFIFriendly #CDFI #SmallBusiness #LocalBusiness