Community Lending
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Innovation and collaboration help drive access to capital in rural communities
Accessing funding and capital can be difficult in rural and urban communities. But the barriers for rural communities can be heightened due to capacity and resource constraints. Organizations are using creativity to turn challenges into opportunities.
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How have CDFIs leveraged various funding mechanisms? Federal Reserve survey aims to find out
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are important to closing gaps in credit and capital access. The 2025 CDFI Survey aims to dive into specific topics or challenges in the CDFI landscape.
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A data hub shows how clients are using their “Bank On” accounts
Bank On National Data (BOND) Hub shows whether clients are getting the full benefit of certified safe and low-cost bank accounts intended to help them build financial stability.
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The last bank branch standing
As physical bank branches close, some residents and small businesses in resulting banking deserts struggle to access essential financial services. In some communities, CDFIs are stepping in to help fill this gap.
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Opportunity Finance Network: It takes more than money to serve the underserved
As mission-driven lenders, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) invest their funds and capacity building in underserved areas. Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) supports these unique organizations, working with the Fed to understand CDFIs’ impact.
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Intermediary connects projects, people, and dollars
Invest Appalachia and the Fed have joined forces to help rural communities and small towns turn investment-worthy ideas into investment-ready ones.
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Why are Native homebuyers ending up with more expensive loans?
Financing manufactured homes can cost Native borrowers on reservations twice as much as off-reservation white borrowers. A risky type of loan fuels the cost gap.
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Investing from within: Native CDFIs help their people find home
Native CDFIs use creative approaches to help their neighbors navigate homeownership in Indian Country, making notable progress even at their smaller scale. But they can’t do it alone. Learn how other lenders can join NCDFIs to connect Native homebuyers with the loans they seek.
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CDFI innovations in consumer and small business finance
CDFIs shared innovative practices for consumer and small business finance business lines in their responses to the Federal Reserve’s 2023 CDFI Survey.
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CDFI Survey findings on output and outcome tracking
The 2023 CDFI Survey offers insights on impact measurement and management for community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Learn about output and outcome metrics, challenges, and implications for capacity building among CDFIs.