Nonprofit Finance Fund

CivicWell’s 16th Annual California Climate & Energy Forum (CCEC) themed “Hope in Action: Local Leads the Way” is happening in San Jose on July 9 to 10! This year’s forum will highlight the critical role of local leadership in addressing the climate crisis and advancing equity. The two-day event will bring together local and regional governments, State agencies, nonprofits, community-based organizations (CBOs), and private sector leaders to collaborate, share strategies, and inspire action. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ekAwqHkM.

“History doesn’t repeat itself but it often rhymes.”?This observation, often attributed to Mark Twain, reminds us not just of the cyclical nature of community development, but also of the resilience of our movement. ? Just a week before the start of the 2025 NYS CDFI Coalition Conference, we learned that CDFIs were considered – by some – just another example of government waste, fraud and abuse. Uncertainty around future support for the CDFI Fund colored our discussion of CDFIs’ efforts to develop and sustain resilience in the communities they serve at our statewide conference - but we know that when we come together in community, there’s very little that can stop us. As Aisha Benson said in her welcoming remarks, “This will not be the last statewide conference of the NYS CDFI Coalition – we’ll see you next year.” View a recap of our 2025 Conference here. https://lnkd.in/g8-vEwPE

#CDFIs are under threat. The CDFI Fund has helped finance thousands of small businesses, affordable housing projects, and community services. We can’t let this lifeline disappear.?Opportunity Finance Network

How can #nonprofits plan for the future when federal funding remains uncertain? The Chronicle of Philanthropy offers valuable guidance for nonprofits and funders. With?so many threats to funding, nonprofits are making hard decisions right now that affect communities.?Philanthropic funders can take action now by committing flexible, long-term support to their grantees. “Scenario budgeting can offer nonprofits the kind of clarity that allows them to talk to funders about their specific needs… but it’s really important that funders are part of this to help shore up uncertainty,” says Kristine Alvarez, Senior Director of Consulting at NFF. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5XH7Wfk.

In partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Go For Broke National Education Center, Little Tokyo Service Center’s First Street North project brings a community vision to life. What was once an empty parking lot will now feature affordable housing, commercial spaces for legacy businesses, and offices for local nonprofits. This project is about honoring what matters most: the people who have long called this neighborhood home. Learn more in our new video: nff.org/story/ltsc #PeopleOverProfit?

Sustainable funding isn't just about dollars – it's also about structure. New research shows how increased flexibility and full-cost funding can help LA's youth workforce organizations build stronger infrastructure, retain talented staff, and ultimately serve young people more effectively. Thank you Para Los Ni?os, UCLA YouthSource Center, and Coalition for Responsible Community Development for sharing your stories on this issue!? ? Watch the full video and learn more from our in-depth analysis: https://lnkd.in/gnQFRXjt

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Sacramento for the #HousingCA2025 Conference! A special thanks to panel moderator, NFF’s Director of Loan Origination, Sean D. Doss, and to all the fantastic panelists: Jennifer Kawar, NFF’s Vice President of Investor Relations; Paul Cho of our client LifeArk, SPC.; Rebecca Center Foster of the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund; Ray Bramson of Destination: Home; and Sasha Wisotsky Kergan of the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. It's time to recognize and increase funding for housing innovators who are driving successful permanent supportive housing pilots, with the potential to scale these initiatives statewide and nationally.

#CDFIs are widely recognized—across the aisle and by this Administration—as engines of economic opportunity. They expand access to capital, support job growth and wealth creation, and uplift communities that mainstream banks often overlook. The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) has provided billions in critical resources to achieve these goals. However, under President Trump’s March 14 Executive Order on “Reducing the Federal Bureaucracy," the future of this vital funding is now at risk. As the U.S. Department of the Treasury prepares its response for OMB and continues engaging with CDFIs and other stakeholders, we must ensure our voices are heard. ?? Take Action: ? Contact your Members of Congress – Encourage them to protect CDFIs. ? Spread the word – Share this post to raise awareness about what’s at stake. ? Tag your elected officials in the comments and urge their support. CDFIs don’t just invest in businesses—they invest in people. Let’s keep them strong so they can continue driving opportunity and prosperity in our communities. https://lnkd.in/eHzV6sP3 #ProtecttheCDFIFund #CDFIsInvest #CommunitiesFirst

We must act today to protect the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) and the communities nationwide that rely on it. Here’s how you can help today: ?? Contact your representatives and urge them to protect the CDFI Fund: Find your Member of Congress?here: https://lnkd.in/grup5-2. ? Engage your networks – talk to nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and community members. Their voices must be heard. ? Amplify this message – share how CDFIs have supported your organization, neighborhood, or business. Read more from our President and CEO, Aisha Benson: https://lnkd.in/g94iqbGB

Youth workforce development staff, like those who work at Para Los Ni?os, UCLA YouthSource Center, and Coalition for Responsible Community Development, are more than just service providers – they're mentors, advocates, and supporters. But administrative burdens take time away from direct service. New research recommends re-designing systems to reduce the amount of staff time spent on redundant reporting so they can focus on what matters most: supporting youth. Watch the full video and check out more findings from our in-depth analysis:?https://lnkd.in/gnQFRXjt