Opportunity Finance Network

"All communities deserve to have their values reflected in a collective vision for where they live." - Ruth Thomas-Squance, PhD, MPH, Co Executive Director, Build Healthy Places Network Comment "Social Media" to check out some conference highlights and inspiration the #CDFI community shared on social media! #OFN40

Over 100+ CDFIs have received $1.3 billion+ in funding from MacKenzie Scott, including 84 CDFIs awarded $880+ million in grants — nearly all proud OFN members! This historic investment includes over $103 million to Native CDFIs, recognizing the leadership and resilience of Native-led financial institutions. These unrestricted funds are incredibly powerful for CDFIs, empowering them to deliver affordable housing, business loans, clean energy projects, financial counseling, and more. As Pete Upton of the Native CDFI Network, Inc. states: "No one knows better how to build up Native communities than Native CDFIs. These long-term gifts provide exactly what we need: capital to grow, strength to build, and resources to endure." In her own powerful words, Scott shared her philosophy on giving: "When I make gifts, rather than withdrawing funds from a bank account, or from a stock portfolio that increases the wealth and influence of leaders who already have it, I’d like to withdraw them from a portfolio of investments in mission-aligned ventures, with leaders from the populations they are serving, or from generally undercapitalized groups like women and people of color." Congratulations to the incredible CDFIs making a difference in communities nationwide. Together, we’re fostering resilience and building more equitable economic opportunities! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e3c3Vehs #CDFIs #OpportunityFinance #Philanthropy #EconomicInclusion #NativeCDFIs

How can AI and fintech drive growth and equity for CDFIs? Join the 2025 Virtual CONNECT+ Forum to explore how mission-driven lenders can embrace emerging technologies while mitigating risks like bias and privacy concerns. Free webinars throughout January. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eCBgN8tA #Innovation #AI #CDFI #TechResilience

Get ready for another impactful year! In 2025, OFN will bring together CDFI practitioners, mission-driven lenders, and partners through dynamic in-person and virtual events, advancing equitable economic opportunity for all. Highlights include: - Virtual CONNECT+ Forum - Starts January 14 - Register Now! - Five Regional Meetings - Small Business Finance Forum - New one-day practitioner summits - The 41st annual OFN Conference (#OFN41) - Over 70 in-person and virtual trainings, including training focused on OFN’s Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eC3D9NQ5

This year, OFN’s Small Business Shopping Guide showcases small businesses funded by a few of our member CDFIs. Here’s how you can get involved: - Shop small all season long. Use our guide to discover inspiring businesses and unique gifts. - Spread the word. Encourage friends and family to support small and local businesses. Comment "Shopping Guide" to shop small and make this holiday season a celebration of opportunity, equity, and resilience.

Missed #OFN40? Catch up on the event through the eyes of Nonprofit Quarterly's Steve Dubb! Dive into four decades of incredible CDFI growth, key legislative milestones, and the debate between "movement" vs. "industry" perspectives. Plus, explore the "third wave" of CDFI development shaping our future, as addressed by Harold Pettigrew, Jr. during the event's keynote. Discover what brought us to this moment and where we're headed next: https://lnkd.in/defWn-kW

CDFIs played a pivotal role in 2024 as key partners in closing the wealth gap, addressing climate risk, and fostering economic opportunity. Discover how OFN led the way: https://lnkd.in/e5kByjS6 #EconomicInclusion #ClimateAction #CDFIs

Small business #CDFIs play a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs to create jobs and build wealth. Through our partnership with Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the CDFI³ Innovation Initiative will expand resources and unlock capital to meet their needs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dcc5kyKN

What a time it’s been since our largest-ever conference brought together nearly 2,500 mission-driven lenders and partners in Los Angeles. From October 21-24, we celebrated 40 years of impact and explored the road ahead for community development finance. 💡 Highlights Included: - A $25M innovation grant from MassMutual Foundation to scale CDFI impact - 160+ sessions, 400+ speakers, and 1,000+ first-time attendees - A special screening of The Barber of Little Rock and live discussions - Groundbreaking announcements, networking, and much more! Couldn’t attend? Don’t worry—plenary recordings, photos, and session decks are available online! Comment "Recap" for the blog. Let’s keep the #OFN40 conversation going as we pave the way for the next four decades of progress. #CDFIs #EconomicOpportunity #CommunityDevelopment #OFN40

The shifting political landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for #CDFIs. With former President Donald Trump winning a second term and Republicans controlling Congress, new dynamics emerge in policymaking. Key Highlights: OFN will work alongside the administration to ensure we build an American economy that works for everyone. OFN has advocated for tax credits that benefit CDFIs to be included in the tax package. OFN is advocating for a Disaster Recovery Fund with $500 million for CDFIs responding to federally designated disaster areas as well as an additional allocation of the New Markets Tax Credit for those communities. Comment "#2024Elections" to read more on how CDFIs can adapt and thrive in this evolving environment. #CDFIs #PolicyImpact #EconomicDevelopment #BipartisanSupport