The Alliance to play key role in advancing environmental equity as a sub-awardee
ORLANDO, FL – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announced today that the Justice Climate Fund (JCF) has been awarded $940M as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA), for which The Alliance will be a sub-awardee. As a founding member of the JCF representing over 78 Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the funds will play a crucial role in advancing The Alliance’s mission to fight for environmental equity and close the racial wealth gap.
“This monumental funding marks a significant milestone. It is a testament to the power of collective action and a clear signal that change is not only possible, but imminent. We congratulate the winners of both the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) and the CCIA and look forward to working with them on the important work ahead to ensure our members can access capital for the communities they serve,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., CEO at The Alliance and JCF Board Chair.
The JCF was established by the Community Builders of Color Coalition (CBCC), led by The Alliance, which represents a national network of 18 financial institutions and advocacy organizations with leaders of color at the helm. The CBCC launched JCF just last year with the goal of ensuring that historically disadvantaged communities across the United States can equitably benefit from the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and help eradicate the disproportionate impact of climate change in low-income communities.
To this day, JCF represents an extensive network of 1,016 CDFIs, encompassing 500 credit unions, 120 community banks, and 177 loan funds and community trade organizations led by African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American individuals. These entities are pivotal in providing essential financial services and support to disadvantaged communities.
“We are honored and humbled to be part of this transformative initiative. As we embark on this journey, our resolve is stronger than ever to leverage these resources for the betterment of our communities, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every dream is within reach,” added Long.
To learn more about the announcement from the EPA, click here.
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About the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, known as “The Alliance,” is a membership organization consisting of 76 CEOs from Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These institutions include loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since its establishment in 2018, The Alliance’s extensive network has provided services across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about The Alliance and its programs, please visit http://www.aaacdfi.org.
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