Business Details
34 Years
experience
Cdfi Coalition: Advocating for Community Development Financial Institutions
The Cdfi Coalition, established in 1992, serves as the national voice for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the United States. Our mission focuses on promoting fair access to financial resources for underserved communities through advocacy, policy development, and educational initiatives. With representation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we work to amplify the impact of CDFIs by increasing capital availability, credit access, and financial services in low-income areas. Our efforts have been instrumental in creating the CDFI Fund, securing critical appropriations, and advancing programs like the New Markets Tax Credit.Through cross-sector collaboration, industry leadership forums, and capacity-building initiatives, we empower CDFIs to address systemic economic disparities. Our team combines decades of experience in community development finance, leveraging deep relationships with policymakers, financial institutions, and grassroots organizations. As a trusted authority, we maintain rigorous compliance with federal regulations while advocating for equitable financial policies. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and measurable outcomes ensures lasting trust with stakeholders and communities we serve.
Services
Policy Advocacy
Educational Programs
Industry Networking
Federal Funding Advocacy
Community Development Finance
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience advocating for community development financial institutions.
- Our team pioneered the creation of the CDFI Fund and New Markets Tax Credit program.
- We provide bipartisan policy advocacy and direct congressional engagement for CDFIs.
- Our national network represents CDFIs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- We offer specialized educational resources and capacity-building programs for CDFI professionals.
Services
Policy Advocacy
We advocate for federal policies that strengthen community development financial institutions. Our team engages directly with Congress and federal agencies to secure funding, shape regulations, and advance programs that expand financial access for underserved communities. This includes annual appropriations campaigns, tax credit initiatives, and regulatory reforms that support CDFI growth and impact.
Educational Programs
We provide specialized educational resources and professional development opportunities for CDFI practitioners. Through our annual CDFI Institute and regular webinars, we deliver policy updates, technical training, and networking opportunities that enhance industry expertise and foster collaboration across the community development finance sector.
Federal Funding Advocacy
We champion increased federal investment in the CDFI Fund and related programs. By organizing national campaigns, producing research reports, and mobilizing grassroots support, we work to ensure adequate resources for CDFIs serving low-income communities. Our efforts focus on maintaining and expanding critical funding streams that enable CDFIs to deliver capital and services where they're needed most.
Industry Networking
We facilitate cross-sector collaboration through our Industry Leadership Forum and coalition-building initiatives. By connecting CDFIs with policymakers, financial institutions, and community stakeholders, we create opportunities for knowledge sharing, partnership development, and collective problem-solving that strengthens the entire community development finance ecosystem.
Community Development Finance
We promote systemic solutions to economic inequality by expanding access to capital and financial services. Through our advocacy and educational programs, we help CDFIs develop innovative financial products, build institutional capacity, and implement strategies that address persistent gaps in financial inclusion for underserved populations across urban and rural America.
People
Bob Rapoza
Founder
Bob Rapoza founded the Cdfi Coalition in 1992 and has been instrumental in shaping community development finance policy. With decades of experience in advocacy and government relations, he led efforts to establish the CDFI Fund and continues to guide the organization's strategic direction.
Questions
What does the CDFI Coalition do?
We advocate for community development financial institutions by promoting policies that expand financial access for underserved communities through federal advocacy and industry support programs.
How does the CDFI Coalition support CDFIs?
We provide policy advocacy, educational resources, networking opportunities, and federal funding support to strengthen CDFIs' capacity to serve low-income communities nationwide.
What is a CDFI?
CDFIs are specialized financial institutions that provide credit, capital, and financial services to underserved populations and communities, prioritizing economic development over profit.
How can I get involved with the CDFI Coalition?
Professionals can join as members, participate in advocacy campaigns, attend the annual CDFI Institute, or engage with our policy initiatives to support community development finance.
Where does the CDFI Coalition operate?
We represent CDFIs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, advocating for federal policies that impact community development financial institutions nationwide.
What is the CDFI Fund?
The CDFI Fund is a federal program administered by the Treasury Department that provides financial assistance and capacity-building support to certified community development financial institutions.
