Four Ideas for Bolstering Community Development Financial Institutions

As gentrification pressures push into ever expanding parts of country, the need for inclusive community development continues to grow along with it. The Urban Institute shares some ideas for ensuring the financial clout of CDFIs.

1 minute read

November 16, 2016, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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"Demand for the financial services offered by community development financial institutions (CDFIs) is growing, and CDFIs must strengthen their finances to meet that demand," according to an article by Ellen Seidman, Brett Theodos, and Sameera Fazili for the Urban Institute.

The article presents four ideas for strengthening the finances of CDFIs to bolster their mission-driven commitment to underserved communities, businesses, and households. The four ideas are explained in much more detail in the article:

  • Attract more equity funding
  • Attract nontraditional investors
  • Increase off-balance-sheet lending
  • Reevaluate nonprofit status

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 in Urban Institute

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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