A movement for economic justice.

The Alliance has brought together Black-Led CDFIs from all over the nation with funds of all sizes. We began with a few institutions but have now grown exponentially.

What We Do

We believe we are stronger together

We prioritize and center the voices and needs of Black communities to inform our work. The Alliance supports and empowers CDFI CEOs to lead and grow their institutional operations, teams, and social impact.

  • Advocate for institutional and public policies

    We address the barriers to community and economic development, Black business growth, wealth creation, and financial protections in African American communities

  • Empower a national network of African-American CDFI CEOs

    We strengthen our member fiscal and impact capacity using best practices to facilitate social and economic advancement in their communities.

  • Advance Racial Equity & Black Wealth

    We utilize research tools to elevate the disproportionate investment in Black-led CDFIs, and to advocate for a redistribution of capital flow to these CDFIs.

Who We Are

Become a member

We support and believe in the unique experiences, strengths, talents, and opportunities presented by our members. By coming together as chief executives, we amplify the voices of the Black community and economic development finance leaders and elevate the specific personal and professional challenges they face.
Membership

  • Advocacy

    We elevate the voices of Black community leaders by serving as a thought-leader for CDFI public policy issues and engaging in research that are in the best interest in the of Black CDFIs’ sustainability and stakeholders

  • Access to Capital

    Utilize research tools to elevate the disproportionate investment in Black-led CDFIs, and to advocate for a redistribution of capital flow to these CDFIs.

  • Peer Mentoring Programs

    Support to help lead and grow their institutional operations, teams, and social impact.

  • Training Opportunities

    Access to webinars and educational opportunities to help members build capacity and grow their CDFI.

African American Equity Impact Scorecard

The Scorecard aims to orient around wealth-building among Black communities and shifts the criteria by which organizations assess every project and helps to address the ways in which we have mirrored inequitable institutionalized practices.

  • Power Building

    Black leaders creating a path toward equitable policies and practices within the Black community.

  • Economic Development and Job Creation

    Non-profits, cooperatives, and businesses working toward a living wage, basic benefits, career-building, wealth-building opportunities and/or a fair and engaging workplace.

  • Equity

    Projects proactively addressing historical and current systemic oppression in order to ensure fairness in the access to opportunities, resources, and rights for the Black community.

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In Memoriam: Inez Long

We honor the life and legacy of Inez Long, who served as President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) Florida and was a cherished board member and co-founder of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.

Inez was a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to economic justice transformed the landscape for Black and minority-owned businesses. For over 30 years, she led BBIF with passion, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence.

As a co-founder of The Alliance, Inez was a driving force in advancing Black-led CDFIs, ensuring that communities of color had the resources and support needed to thrive. Her advocacy and leadership were instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that continue to uplift historically marginalized businesses.  Her legacy of empowerment, community development, and economic resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.

Support The Alliance: Invest in Transformative Change

Donate
At The Alliance, we empower thousands of persistently underserved entrepreneurs and Black communities through our growing network of over 110+ members. Your generosity fuels impactful programs, influential policy advocacy, and accessible loan funds —strengthening financial and operational capabilities so Black-led CDFIs can better serve entrepreneurs who would otherwise lack access to capital and technical assistance. Together, we can close the racial wealth gap and build a more equitable economy.
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Our Partners

Our partners and funders help us to strengthen our communities. We thank each of them and those that will join us in the near future as we work to close the racial equity gap nationwide.
Partners

Latest News & Events

Check out our latest news on our work towards closing the racial wealth gap.
  • October 7, 2025

    New RFP: African American Equity Impact Scorecard Capstone Report

    The Alliance is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a Capstone Report that captures the evolution, impact, and legacy of the African American Equity Impact Scorecard initiative. Over the past four years, this initiative has empowered CDFIs to assess and enhance their effectiveness in serving Black communities. The final report will serve as a thought

    Read More
  • October 2, 2025

    Government Shutdown: What It Means for Communities

    Congress did not pass a funding bill by the September 30 deadline, and parts of the federal government have shut down. Both parties outline different priorities, but the shutdown has immediate consequences for workers, contractors, and families across the country.  Republican leaders say the government should reopen with a short-term funding bill that carries no

    Read More
  • September 30, 2025

    Black-led CDFIs Gain Targeted Support through the CDFI Certification Readiness Accelerator 

    In December 2023, the CDFI Fund introduced a new certification process, requiring all CDFIs to undergo recertification. The revision sparked urgency among certified Alliance members to safeguard their status to prevent disruptions in funding and resources, while members pursuing certification for the first time needed tailored guidance to navigate the new requirements. To bridge this

    Read More
  • September 10, 2025

    The Rising Unemployment Rate Among Black Workers: A Warning Sign of Broader Economic Instability 

    The unemployment rate for Black Americans has risen sharply in 2025, reaching 7.2% in July, compared with the national average of 4.2%. This increase is particularly acute for Black women, whose unemployment rate stands at 6%, nearly double that of White workers and significantly higher than White women. Between May and August 2025 alone, an

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  • August 29, 2025

    Black Innovation Takes Center Stage at FSC First Pitch Competition 

    FSC First Team Stands with Pitch Competition Winners In every era of progress, there are leaders whose vision and resolve shape the future. Today, the call is clear: our economy needs champions who are passionate about creating pathways of opportunity for Black entrepreneurs.   Dawn R. Medley, President & CEO of FSC First, is a leader

    Read More
  • August 29, 2025

    Investing in Black Futures: RWJF’s Commitment to Building Health and Wealth

    As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we are proud to highlight the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)—a partner deeply committed to advancing equity, health, and opportunity. Their investment in the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) over the past 4 years reflects a shared belief; when capital flows into historically excluded communities, it

    Read More
More News & Events

Contact Us

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Leave us a note by filling out the form or email us at [email protected]

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African American
Alliance of CDFI CEOs

301 E.Pine Street, Ste. 175
Orlando, Florida 32801

Phone: +1 984 263 9380