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.

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.
  • December 3, 2024

    Why Investing in CDFIs is Crucial to Addressing Environmental Justice

    The year 2024 is recorded to be the hottest year in history. By 2030, major economies will have to cut carbon emissions by half to slow the accelerating effects of global warming. This challenge is especially critical in climate-vulnerable communities, which are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation and populated by Black and Brown people. However,

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  • December 2, 2024

    CDFI Fund Awards the Alliance and 31 Alliance Members Over $32M in Grants 

    On November 21, 2024, the CDFI Fund announced FY 2024 CDFI Program Technical Assistance (TA) and Financial Assistance (FA) Awards. Among the selected organizations, The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs and 31 Alliance Members received over $30 million in FA and TA grants.  The purpose of the awards is to build each organization’s capacity

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  • November 22, 2024

    Mastercard Strive USA Invests $250,000 in the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs 

    Grant to Fuel Environmental Justice Training for Black-led Community Lenders  ORLANDO, Fla. – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announced a $250,000 grant awarded from the Mastercard Impact Fund through the Mastercard Strive USA program , aimed at advancing inclusive economic growth and supporting small businesses nationwide. Mastercard Strive USA’s support boosts

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  • November 6, 2024

    Statement on 2024 Election Results

    The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs recognizes the significance of last night’s election results and the unique challenges and opportunities they bring for Black communities and the institutions dedicated to their progress. While the outcome may not mirror the hopes and aspirations of many we serve, we are steadfast in our mission to work

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  • October 15, 2024

    Building Bridges to Opportunity: The Powerful Partnership Between Baltimore Community Lending and Maryland Capital Enterprises 

    New Business Development Hub Set to Transform Access to Capital for Underserved Communities in Maryland  In a powerful collaboration that has come full circle, members of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance): Watchen Bruce, President and CEO of Baltimore Community Lending (BCL), and Maurice Ames, Executive Director of Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE),

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  • October 7, 2024

    Statement on the Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene in Southeast North Carolina

    We are heartbroken by the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Helene, which has ravaged Southeast North Carolina and other parts of the Southeast. With more than 190 lives lost—over half of them in North Carolina—this disaster has left a trail of destruction that will forever change our communities. Entire neighborhoods have been

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