Capital for Community Impact: The Basics and Benefits of CDFI Funding Webinar

November 4, 2025 | Virtually 11:00am-12:15pm ET | 75-minutes

This webinar will expand access to capital by demystifying the role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Participants will gain a clear understanding of how CDFIs drive economic growth and equity by financing small businesses, affordable housing development, and community facility projects. Through this program, attendees will learn what CDFIs do, the individuals and organizations they serve, and how they serve communities and low-income individuals often not served by other financial institutions.

Session Description

Where can you turn to access capital for your community or fund a promising project?

Join us as we break down the basics and benefits of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) financing. Whether you are a nonprofit supporting community economic development or small businesses, an emerging housing developer, or an organization undertaking a community facility project, you will learn how CDFIs provide flexible, mission-driven financing for small business growth, affordable housing development, and community facilities. By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Understand what a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is and explain how they differ from traditional lenders in mission, approach, and impact.
2. Define financing products as well as the organizations and projects CDFIs typically support.
3. Consider next steps to access CDFI funds.

Session Outline

What CDFIs Do

• Mission
• Product & Services Overview
• Approach (IFF, CDFI Friendly, Brightpoint)
• How they differ from traditional lenders

Why They Are Important and What Impact They Achieve

• Community Impact

Preparing A Case for Funding

Panel Conversation and Q&A

Adjourn at 12:15 p.m.

Speakers

• Matt Crouch | VP of Community Economic Development |Brightpoint
• John Zody | Executive Director |CDFI Friendly Bloomington
• Amandula Anderson | Executive Director | IFF