ORLANDO, FL – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announced today a generous $500,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente. This funding will support general operations and enable The Alliance to provide essential training and technical assistance to Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) seeking to apply for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has the potential to enact substantial environmental improvements by funding greenhouse gas- and air pollution-reducing projects in communities across the U.S., including low income and disadvantaged communities. The program is being implemented through three grant competitions. Yet, many Black-led organizations face barriers navigating the complex application process, thereby limiting their access to these crucial funds and resources.
“When it comes to achieving climate justice, it is imperative that we fight together to protect all communities and neighborhoods threatened by the growing climate crisis,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance. “With the support from Kaiser Permanente, The Alliance will facilitate green economy lending training and the development of toolkits to support members through every phase of GGRF preparation and application process.”
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping diverse entrepreneurs launch and sustain successful small businesses, become agents of change in their own communities, and build wealth for themselves, their employees, and their communities,” said John Vu, vice president of strategy for Community Health at Kaiser Permanente. “This funding has the additional benefit of targeting environmental health, which we know negatively impacts communities of color more severely than others. We are proud to partner with The Alliance to ensure that critical public resources, such as the GGRF, are equitably distributed and reach the communities that need it most.”
By providing training and technical assistance, The Alliance aims to unlock the potential of Black-led organizations to drive environmental solutions and strengthen their communities. Through the GGRF, these organizations can fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and create sustainable, green jobs for our economically vulnerable and marginalized communities.
For the latest updates and additional information on The Alliance’s programs and initiatives, please visit www.aaacdfi.org.
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About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a membership organization comprising of more than 76 CEOs of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), comprising loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since 2018, The Alliance’s network collectively services all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a result, members are uniquely positioned to address issues related to housing and access to capital for African American populations and communities. Learn more about The Alliance and its programs at http://www.aaacdfi.org.
Media Contacts:
Alisha Brown / African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
[email protected] / 901-849-0820
