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.