We finance community development to meet the needs of and strengthen communities

A thriving, vibrant neighborhood provides its residents with a diverse array of well-maintained and affordable community assets, including housing, schools, community centers, and retail and office space. Investing in community development encourages the revitalization of neighborhoods and uplifts local economies all while meeting the local needs of their residents. For over 27 years, we have been lending to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that serve these neighborhood organizations and support local businesses and nonprofits, many of which also have an impact on affordable housing, education, and the health of communities.

Today, the creditworthiness of the CDFI industry is well-established, and some CDFIs have successfully gained direct access to the capital markets and have “graduated” out of our portfolio. Learn more about these graduations in our Success Stories below. Over the years, our work to support the industry has also evolved and expanded to include off-balance sheet financing facilities, loan participations, and other strategies to help CDFIs scale their impact beyond their balance sheets. An example of one such strategy is our Small Business Recovery work, distinct from our Community Investment Note® portfolio, which you can learn more about below.

Check out our Community Development news, features, and resources below.