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.
  • January 21, 2026

    Carrying the Torch, Building the Future: My Charge as CEO 

    When I think about stepping into this role as President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, I’m reminded of a moment from my early twenties. I was a young mother in Durham, North Carolina, piecing together life with little more than determination and a belief that things could be better. At the time, I didn’t have the language

    Read More
  • January 6, 2026

    Amber Banks, Stepping into the Role of President & CEO 

    Equity is the only acceptable outcome.  The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs is proud to announce that Amber Banks officially steps into the role of President & CEO in January 2026, ushering in a new era of leadership, impact, and growth.  Amber brings more than two decades of experience in economic development, social justice, and

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  • January 6, 2026

    The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs Announces Amber Banks as New President & CEO 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  The Alliance ushers in next chapter of leadership and growth as Founder & CEO Lenwood V. Long, Sr. retires  Orlando, Florida — January 6, 2026 — The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (“The Alliance”) proudly announces that Amber Banks has been appointed President & CEO, effective January 1, 2026. Banks succeeds Founder & CEO Lenwood V.

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  • 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
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