Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

Striving to boost the quality of life of New Haven residents, Start Community Bank provides personal and business loans that support affordable housing development and new job creation.  Its name represents the “start” of a pathway that will lead to economic and social improvements for New Haven and its residents.

Based in Minneapolis, Shared Capital is a national CDFI loan fund that works to connect co-ops and capital to build economic democracy.  A cooperative association of more than 175 cooperatives in around 30 states, Shared Capital accepts donations and investments from its members and social investors, and then uses the funds to finance the creation and expansion of cooperatively-owned businesses and housing across the country.  Committed to advancing racial equity and social and economic justice, the CDFI specifically aims to fund cooperatives organized by disadvantaged communities that build economic opportunity, create living wage jobs, provide access to healthy food, and offer dignified, affordable housing.  Since its establishment in 1978, it has provided more than $40 million in total financing to more than 800 cooperative projects.

Texas Mezzanine Fund, Inc. (TMF) is a Dallas-based CDFI that helps enhance distressed and under-served communities throughout Texas by financing businesses and economic development projects.  Since its launch in 1999, the CDFI is credited with providing over $85.3 million in financing for 252 businesses, 29 affordable housing developments, and 22 nonprofit organizations—an investment that has leveraged $294 million from banks and other lenders and created 2,673 new jobs and 835 affordable housing units. Read more about Texas Mezzanine Fund, Inc....

Based in Madison, Forward Community Investments (FCI) is a statewide CDFI that aims to serve as an investor, connector, and advisor for organizations and initiatives that reduce social, racial, and economic disparities in Wisconsin communities.  It runs a community investment fund, which provides low-interest loans and technical assistance to community organizations, as well as a grantmaking fund.  Since 1994, FCI has invested upwards of $55 million in more than 100 organizations, making a difference in the lives of over 330,000 people. Read more about Forward Community Investments (FCI)...

With one of its two offices in Dayton, Community Capital Development Corporation (CCDC) helps small Ohio businesses secure affordable financing for growth and expansion.  Since its establishment in 1981, CCDC has approved more than $328 million in loans to over 1,100 businesses, creating more than 11,700 jobs and contributing an additional $898 million to Ohio’s economy.

Committed to serving low-income Vermonters, Opportunities Credit Union aims to build wealth, community, and opportunity through a fair and affordable financial system.  Since its establishment in 1989, the credit union has served over 19,500 individuals and families, including immigrant and refugee populations resettling in Vermont under the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program.   It also conducts numerous financial education programs, including workshops and one-on-one mentoring.

Based in Burlington, North County Federal Credit Union is a credit union open to anyone who lives, works, studies, or worships in northern Vermont.  As of 2014, North Country had nearly 34,000 members and held over $454.7 million in assets.  Committed to the community, North Country underwrites college scholarships, supports community events, and funds quality childcare for single, low-income parents re-entering the workplace.

The Colorado Enterprise Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that finances small businesses in Colorado. We are involved in a number of community wealth building efforts, including healthy food access and local food systems, supporting local entrepreneurs and co-ops, and the Community Wealth Building Network of Metro Denver. Read more about Colorado Enterprise Fund...