The tenth episode of the Future of CDFIs series explored the "CDFI Friendly" model designed by CDFI Friendly America to expand Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) coverage, financing, and technical assistance in underserved "opportunity markets". The session featured 4 Executive Directors of local CDFI Friendly organizations who explained how they operate as business development and referral hubs that reduce borrower acquisition costs for CDFIs while addressing community-specific capital needs.

The ninth episode of The Future of CDFIs webinar series focused on proposed Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule changes by the OCC and FDIC and their potential impact on communities. It featured industry experts Sarah Brundage, President and CEO of NAAHL, and Catherine "Cat" Howard, President of the California CDFI Community Vision. The presenters detailed key components of the proposal, including shifts in bank asset thresholds, new restrictions on operating grants, and an increased emphasis on lending over investments. They also raised concerns that these changes could lead to significant reductions in community development financing in smaller and rural markets.

This was the first in-person and livestreamed episode of "The Future of CDFIs" from the VA CDFI Summit 2026. This session explored the work happening at the growing number of state CDFI Coalitions across the country and specifically in PA, VA, and IL. Panelists discussed the policy, funding, and organizing issues they are tackling, the benefits of cross-CDFI collaboration and collective advocacy at the state level, and practical strategies for organizing new opportunities in other states.

The July edition of "The Future of CDFIs" webinar series explored The Rising Influence of Community Development Credit Unions (CDCUs) within the broader CDFI sector. Moderated by Mark Pinsky, the session featured insights from Alexis Iwanisziw (Inclusiv), Chris Moczynski (Prime Financial Credit Union), and Judy DeHaro (FirstLight Federal Credit Union). The panel discussed the rapid growth of CDCUs—highlighting that credit unions originated over 68% of reported CDFI financing in FY2023—and examined recent shifts in certification numbers.

The sixth installment of our "The Future of CDFIs" series features Amber Banks (President and CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs) and Duanne Andrade (CEO of the Solar Energy Loan Fund and Policy Committee Chair for NALCAB) discussing the critical intersection of CDFIs and racial equity. The session addressed the significant political and systemic challenges facing the sector in 2025/26—particularly recent executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

In this webinar, Amir Kirkwood of Justice Climate Fund and Jeannine Jacokes from Partners for the Common Good reflect on what the shifting political landscape means for the future of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Rather than focusing only on challenges, the discussion looks forward and explores how CDFIs can adapt to tighter and less predictable capital flows while continuing to meet community needs. The speakers point to emerging opportunities in areas like clean energy and local investment, while also calling for stronger collaboration, shared infrastructure, and smarter use of data and technology to build resilience.

The "Is AI for CDFIs?" Zoom event introduced two major AI initiatives for the CDFI sector: NCIF's AI-powered data analytics platform for portfolio management and PCV's Radiant Data Hub - the industry's first data commons model. Results from Fund Community Institute's AI Usage in the CDFI Industry survey showed CDFIs are in early-adoption stages, primarily using AI for back-office tasks rather than core lending functions.

Consolidation in the CDFI Industry: Risks & Rewards explored the growing conversation around consolidation and M&A in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry. The speakers: Marla Bilonick, President and CEO of NALCAB, Doug Raymond, senior partner in the corporate practice of Faegre Drinker, and Sara Razavi, CEO of Working Solutions CDFI, shared real-world experiences with mergers, acquisitions, and alternative partnership models.

The 2nd The Future of CDFIs event: “Bank-CDFI Collaborations & The Future of CRA” featured CRA advocate and practitioner, Jesse Van Tol, President/CEO of National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), and Dan Betancourt, President/CEO of the Pennsylvania-based Finanta CDFI and the newly created Finanta Credit Union.

The first “The Future of CDFIs” Virtual Event- CDFIs at a Crossroad: Taking Stock & Taking Action with Aaron Seybert, Oswaldo Acosta, and Diane Yentel. Moderated by Mark Pinsky.