Opportunity Finance Network

OFN + DAFgiving360 surveyed DAF donors and advisors to understand one thing: what does it take to direct philanthropic dollars toward CDFIs? The answer matters — DAFs hold hundreds of billions in capital. Most of it hasn't reached underserved communities. Yet. Learn more: ofn.org/daf #DonorAdvisedFunds #DAF #CDFI #PhilanthropicCapital #ImpactInvesting #CommunityDevelopment

At our Southeast Regional Meeting in Febrary, OFN's policy team organized a tour with policymakers in Miami to showcase New Markets Tax Credits-financed projects making a difference in their communities.  Visiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida and the Overtown Youth Center Miami’s new facilities, local and federal lawmakers saw firsthand the importance of the CDFI Fund’s programs like NMTC and the critical role that #CDFIs play in using award funding to unlock private capital, advance community-led development, and support critical infrastructure that strengthens economic opportunity in low-income communities. Read more here: ofn.org/blog/site-visi…

OFN applauds the bipartisan #AFFORDAct, introduced by @SenatorWarner, @SteveDaines & 28 colleagues. This unified legislation strengthens the CDFI Fund and expands capacity for CDFIs to reach more communities. Thank you to the senators for leading this work. #CDFIs #CommunityDevelopment

Presidents’ Day is a moment to honor our nation's presidents and their contributions to creating economic opportunity for all. For 30+ years, presidents from both parties have supported that goal by championing community development financial institutions (#CDFIs) and their investments in communities excluded from traditional finance. This Presidents’ Day, we celebrate continued bipartisan support for community development finance and the communities we serve.

3 days until Capitol Hill visits begin. OFN Public Policy staff will support CDFI policy advocates every step of the way, from scheduling meetings to ensuring CDFI priorities are clearly and consistently delivered to Members of Congress. Organized advocacy works. Let us know in the comments if you're attending Hill visits as part of OFN's National Policy Summit.

From bipartisan strategy to leveraging research and storytelling, the inaugural OFN National Policy Summit sessions are designed to strengthen how CDFIs show up in federal policy conversations—today and beyond.

Registration is open! Join us March 31 for OFN’s Marketing & Comms CDFI Practitioner Summit in Arlington, VA. A full day of storytelling strategy, peer learning, and real‑world marcomm challenges. Register today: web.cvent.com/event/855e72cc…

Two weeks until CDFIs take the Hill. The OFN National Policy Summit is where practitioners sharpen policy strategy, align around shared priorities, and prepare to engage Congress with confidence and clarity. Advocacy isn’t optional. It’s infrastructure.

The OFN National Policy Summit is officially sold out! Next month, CDFI leaders from across the country will convene in Washington, D.C. to strengthen industry advocacy, engage directly with policymakers, and advance solutions for communities underserved by traditional finance. This is what it looks like when the CDFI industry shows up—organized, informed, and ready to lead.

On February 18, the first 2026 Southeast Regional Meeting heads to Miami, Florida—a powerful economic engine of the Southeast and a city where small business growth, housing, and community investment intersect every day. Join us for interactive discussions, timely policy updates from OFN, and meaningful connection with fellow practitioners across the Southeast. Register today: web.cvent.com/event/08056ce9…

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we recommit to Dr. King's belief in the promise of America: that opportunity should never be rationed, and that place should never determine potential. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) were created to help keep that promise—serving as essential economic infrastructure and investing long-term capital in communities excluded from traditional finance. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor Dr. King’s legacy and the CDFIs helping to carry it forward by creating opportunity for all. #MLKDay #PromiseOfAmerica #EconomicOpportunity #CDFIs

Build skills, strengthen advocacy, and engage federal leaders at OFN’s inaugural National Policy Summit. Join CDFI peers in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill engagement and a full day of learning, collaboration, and community building. Learn more and register today: web.cvent.com/event/9e9dea91…

Congratulations to the 61 OFN member CDFIs that received $4.3 billion in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) awards late last year! These investments will strengthen local economic growth and contribute to lasting job creation in communities across America. Read more here: ofn.org/blog/ofn-membe…

CDFIs play a critical role in the U.S. economy, deploying capital in places that traditional finance doesn't reach. OFN’s Side by Side (27th edition) delivers clear, comparable performance data from more than 340 CDFIs, offering an view of activity, scale, and outcomes among OFN's membership. For practitioners and investors alike, this is the benchmark for understanding how CDFIs operate across sectors and asset sizes. Read the latest Side by Side: ofn.org/blog/ofns-late…

OFN’s inaugural National Policy Summit brings CDFI leaders to Capitol Hill for meetings with Members of Congress, peer learning, and hands-on advocacy. Build your policy skills, connect with policymakers, and help shape the future of CDFI policy. Space is limited—register now. web.cvent.com/event/9e9dea91…

Build skills, strengthen advocacy, and engage federal leaders at OFN’s inaugural National Policy Summit. Join CDFI peers in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hill engagement and a full day of learning, collaboration, and community building. Learn more and register today: web.cvent.com/event/9e9dea91…

Holiday shopping with impact starts here. When you shop small, more of your dollars stay local—supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. This season, celebrate CDFI-financed small businesses that are building opportunity in rural, urban, and Native communities. Find gifts that give back: ofn.org/blog/2025-holi… #ShopSmall #CDFIImpact #SupportLocal

New @politico Morning Money: Senate Republicans propose maintaining $324M for the @CDFIFund, underscoring strong bipartisan support. #CDFIs deliver capital where it counts, and every federal dollar leverages private investment to fuel economic opportunity in rural, urban, and Native communities. Read more: politico.com/newsletters/mo… #EconomicOpportunity

ICYMI: OFN released new research publications on CDFI Fund FA Awards, as well as capitalization and sector trends across OFN member loan funds. Findings show how initial FA Awards strengthened institutions, how CDFIs adapted from 2019–2023, and where increased funding and investment are most needed. Take a deeper dive: ofn.org/cdfi-resource-… #CDFIResearch #CommunityFinance #OpportunityForAll

Join us in San Diego, December 8–9 for the 2025 OFN West Regional Meeting. Network with community lenders, gain policy updates, and explore the future of mission-driven finance. Space is limited, so register by December 4! web.cvent.com/event/a819a3d6… #OFNWest2025 #CDFIs #CommunityFinance