Happy Holidays, from our Board and Staff!
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
A national membership-driven coalition that empowers Black-Led CDFI CEO members to lead and grow.
A Message from our CEO: Lenwood V. Long, Sr.?
Dear Friends and Allies,?
As we approach the end of another transformative year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering support has?been the driving force behind the progress we’ve achieved together. Every contribution and partnership has helped us create meaningful change in the communities we serve. ?
This year, we’ve witnessed remarkable accomplishments at?The Alliance. Each milestone reflects the passion and commitment of our collective team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the strides we’ve made. ?
Looking ahead, 2025 will mark an exciting milestone as we celebrate our 5-year anniversary. This moment is a testament to the bridges we’ve built, the capacity we’ve strengthened, and the power we’ve cultivated within Black communities. While challenges remain, I am confident that our resilience and determination will guide us to even greater achievements in the coming year. ?
Let us face any uncertainties with courage, steadfast in our mission and vision for a brighter future. As Harriet Tubman once said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ?
As this year draws to a close, I wish you a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season. Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in our mission. Together, we are building a legacy of equity, opportunity, and empowerment that will endure for generations.
Be Steadfast!
Lenwood V. Long, Sr.
CEO
Association for Enterprise Opportunity Invited CEO Lenwood V. Long Sr., to Regional Councils Summit?
In November, our CEO Lenwood V. Long Sr., participated at Association for Enterprise Opportunity’s?Midwest: Regional Council Convening focusing on leveraging regionalism to support small businesses in Chicago, IL.??
He highlighted the significance of sustainability and inclusion for small businesses and marginalized communities, addressing both opportunities and challenges. Additionally, he discussed the ways policymakers can support small businesses and explored the opportunities entrepreneurs can leverage across various sectors in the future.?
Mastercard Strive USA Invests $250,000 in the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs?
The Alliance announced a $250,000 grant awarded from the Mastercard Impact Fund through the Mastercard Strive USA program, aimed at advancing inclusive economic growth and supporting small businesses nationwide.
Mastercard Strive USA’s support boosts The Alliance’s mission to drive economic justice and close the racial wealth gap in underserved communities, by focusing on wealth-building for Black communities.?
Watchen Harris Bruce Honored as one of the Daily Record's 2024 Most Admired CEOs
Congratulations to Alliance and Board Member Watchen Harris Bruce for being one of many selected as The Daily Record’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs. As President and CEO of Balitmore Community Lending Inc., Watchen was recognized for leading BCL with success, making a positive impact in the community and mentoring the next generation of leaders.?
Click the button below to ontinue reading about Watchen’s great accomplishment!?
CDFI Fund Announces FY 2024 CDFI Program Awards
In November, we received the great news of being selected alongside 31 Alliance Members as 2024 CDFI Program Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance Awardees! This marks a historic milestone as the largest number and total amount of TA Awards ever granted by the CDFI Fund.
Partnering for Impact: Featuring Alliance Partners Resilia & Catchafire??
For the past two years, the?African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs has partnered with Resilia and Catchafire to be?able to?provide members free access to these?capacity-building platforms. These platforms empower organizations like CDFIs with tailored solutions for nonprofit management, volunteer matching, and professional development.
Through this impactful collaboration, Alliance members have gained valuable tools to enhance their operations, amplify their strategic impact, and build long-term sustainability.
Catchafire Partnership Boosts Success for Members
Our partnership with Catchafire?has provided critical pro-bono support to 15 African American Alliance organizations, enabling them to strengthen their work and expand their reach.
领英推荐
Together, this partnership continues to strengthen the capacity and impact of Black-led CDFIs, driving economic justice and sustainability in the communities they serve.
Resilia Platform? Builds Capacity?for Alliance Members
The Resilia Platform is empowering Alliance members to strengthen their organizational capacity through tailored resources, coaching, and community engagement. Focused on fundraising, grants, strategic planning, participating Alliance members are leveraging these tools to amplify their impact. Key Highlights:
Cohort Achievements:
Weekly Black Money Series on LinkedIn Live
Did you catch the last?"Black Money Series" on LinkedIn Live??Each week, The Alliance sheds light on the untold stories, success narratives, and vital discussions surrounding economic empowerment within the African American community. ??
To watch recent episodes and to stay up to date with The Alliance, follow our LinkedIn page.
In the News?
ForbesBLK columns by our CEO, Lenwood V. Long, Sr.??
Recent statements:
Growth in Our Programs and?Initiatives
This year, we fostered collaboration and leveraged resources to amplify member impact. Nearly 60% of members benefited from six capacity-building programs and three peer learning networks, while over 35% connected to partner resource programs.????
The Alliance hosted more than 15 educational and peer-to-peer sessions, awarded $50,000 in grants to members.??
We also released two key publications—the NMTC White Paper and the Alliance Housing Initiative Roadmap—highlighting strategies for equitable outcomes.?
Policy & Advocacy: Our United Voice
The Alliance’s advocacy work is central to its commitment to build power in Black communities. Our united voice is key to influencing legislation that leads to the equitable redistribution of resources.??
This year, we yielded our voice to one?white paper and two Requests for Information (RFIs):?
Welcome New Alliance Members
As a membership-based organization, our top priority is delivering value to our members by curating resources, providing timely industry updates, and fostering networking and collaboration opportunities to support peer learning and advance our shared mission. This commitment to member value contributed to our growth in 2024, with membership increasing from 92 to 106.?? Join us in welcoming our newest members this quarter:
For a full list of Alliance members, click below for our member directory or click the following links: CDFI members,?Associate members.?
Thank you to our 2024 funders who helped make our work possible!
Let's Stay Connected!
We hope you enjoyed our newsletter. Have questions or want to submit content for future newsletters??Please contact the Marketing & Communications team?at [email protected].?
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