What are CDFIs?: Please review the following web page from the Coalition of CDFIs.

There are six different types of CDFIs:

Community Development Banks, Community Development Credit Unions, Community Development Loan Funds, Community Development Venture Capital Funds, Microenterprise Development Loan Funds, and Community Development Corporations. For an comparision of these six types, please check this resource on the Coalition of CDFIs’ website.

National organizations to know:

Community Development Finance Institutions Fund: The federal program, based within the U.S. Treasury, which expands the capacity of financial institutions to provide credit, capital, and financial services to underserved populations and communities in the United States. This website also provides visitors with news, information and training on how to become a certified CDFI. The CDFI Fund also coordinates other federal programs such as as the New Market Tax Credits program, Native American Initiatives program and the Bank Enterprise Awards program.

Coalition of Community Development Finance Institutions: The Coalition of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI Coalition) is the lead national organization in the United States promoting the work of community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Members also include organizations involved in community development venture capital funds, community development credit unions and micro enterprise loan funds.

Corporation for Enterprise Development: “expands economic opportunity to include all people will bring greater social equity, alleviate poverty and lead to a more sustainable economy. ” Another major funder and player in the CDFI world.
National Community Investment Fund: a funding resource for CDFIs and also provide news about the CDFI fund.

Opportunity Finance Network: network of financial organizations whose mission is to serve low income people in underserved communities. The network has over 150 CDFI member organizations.

If you would like to locate a certified CDFI in your state or would like information about CDFI work in your state - please use the following resources:

CDFI Fund List Finder by State or by Name

CDFI State Profiles

For Llinks to major CDFIs in the United States:

ACCION USA

Self-Help Credit Union

ShoreBank Corporation

Vermont Community Loan Fund