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.
  • May 13, 2025

    The First 100 days of the Trump Administration in 2025: Impacts on the Black Community & CDFI Industry

    The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have introduced major federal shifts with serious implications for Black communities and the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector.  On May 2, 2025, the administration proposed a $100 million Rural Financial Award Program requiring 60% of CDFI activity to serve rural areas—potentially sidelining urban, majority-Black communities.

    Read More
  • May 12, 2025

    Celebrating Five Years of Service, Impact, and Meaningful Change 

    Dear Friends and Allies,  In 2018, I sat in a room with 22 visionary Black CDFI CEOs bound not just by profession, but by purpose and passion. That meeting held in Raleigh, NC, was the beginning of a movement. Every person shared the mission to close the racial wealth gap and uplift Black communities through

    Read More
  • May 8, 2025

    African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs Announces Leadership Transition as Lenwood V. Long, Sr. Retires 

    Amber Banks-Bond to Assume Role as President & CEO, Continuing Legacy of Advancing Black Economic Justice  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  May 6, 2025  Orlando, Florida — The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (“The Alliance”) today announced that its esteemed Co-founder and CEO, Lenwood V. Long, Sr., will retire at the end of 2025. Since the

    Read More
  • May 6, 2025

    A New Chapter for the Alliance – A Special Message from Lenwood V. Long, Sr. 

    Dear friends and allies,  Today, I write to you with a heart full of gratitude—and yes, with a bit of bittersweet emotion—as I announce that I will be retiring as CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs at the end of 2025.  This decision did not come easily. How could it, when this

    Read More
  • April 28, 2025

    Strengthening Communities Through Financial Literacy 

    When people hear “financial literacy,” they often think of financial planning apps and spreadsheets. But for many of our neighbors, financial literacy starts with something even more fundamental: access.   Gaining access to housing, capital, and tools that empower individuals to make informed choices are crucial steps towards accumulating wealth. This is where economic development plays

    Read More
  • April 28, 2025

    Baltimore Community Lending and Black Business Investment Fund Unite to Expand Economic Opportunity 

    Partnership holds undeniable power when Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) come together around a shared mission, combining their unique strengths to overcome challenges and broaden their collective impact.   Watchen Bruce, President and CEO of Baltimore Community Lending (BCL), along with Duane Lewis, COO, and Oraine Reid, CFO of Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), are members

    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