CDFIs

Access Ventures is an impact investing organization that uses catalytic capital and blended finance to expand economic opportunity and build stronger, more equitable communities. Its work is grounded in the belief that lasting transformation begins with people, not capital alone. Through a one-pocket mindset, Access Ventures seeks to align investments, grants, partnerships, and other resources with its mission. The organization accepts risks that conventional investors may avoid, supports emerging ideas and leaders, and develops financial structures designed to improve access and economic agency. Over the past decade, Access Ventures has invested in companies, funds, community initiatives, and leadership programs addressing challenges such as financial inclusion, accessibility, healthcare, small-business financing, and sustainable development. By combining capital with collaboration and long-term support, Access Ventures aims to demonstrate that financial discipline and measurable social impact can work together to create a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Beneficial State Bank is an FDIC-insured, state-chartered community development financial institution (CDFI) headquartered in Oakland, California, with branches in California, Oregon, and Washington. Kat Taylor and Tom Steyer founded it in 2007 as a triple-bottom-line community bank and donated the capital to Beneficial State Foundation, a nonprofit that is now the majority owner of the bank’s capital. That ownership is the lock: the institution is meant to stay governed in the public interest rather than recapitalize through a conventional holding-company sale. Causeartist indexes it in the funders directory as a CDFI bank and debt provider, not as a venture fund. The product is credit: deposits become loans for affordable housing, nonprofits, small businesses, and environmental projects on the West Coast. CDFI rules require at least 60% of financing to low- and moderate-income or underserved communities; the bank reported that 100% of its 2025 loan portfolio upheld that community-development mandate. It will not lend to fossil fuels, private prisons, or weapons manufacturing, industries it calls “contra mission.” It has been a Certified B Corporation since 2012 (B Lab directory; the bank’s certifications page also cites 2013), is Fossil Free Certified, belongs to the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, and describes itself as the only unionized community bank in the U.S. As of year-end 2025 it reported $1.98 billion in assets, $1.67 billion in deposits, $1.47 billion in outstanding loans, and 15.4% net loan growth. Those figures are company-reported from the 2025 Impact Report, not an independent audit.

CNote is a fintech company founded in 2016 by financial executives Catherine Berman and Yuliya Tarasava that connects investors and institutions with mission-driven community banks to expand economic opportunity and strengthen local communities. The platform specializes in cash and fixed-income solutions that help institutions and individuals achieve competitive returns while preserving capital and creating positive community impact through CDFIs, MDIs, and community banks and credit unions. CNote applies institutional-grade discipline, modern technology and rigorous risk management to channel capital into the overlooked $5 trillion community finance market at scale. The company offers 100% FDIC- and NCUA-insured deposits with competitive returns, funding impact initiatives like affordable housing, disaster recovery, and small business growth in underserved communities.

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF USA) is a national small business lender that focuses on scaling capital access for small businesses in communities across the country. They provide lending, technology, and service solutions to complement and amplify the effectiveness of the small business ecosystem. CRF operates with a mission to build stronger local economies by working with various partners including banks, financial service providers, CDFIs, business support organizations, public sector entities, and philanthropists. Their approach involves comprehensive program capabilities including program planning and design, program management, and program evaluation to maximize their impact. The organization plays a crucial role in the small business financing ecosystem by enhancing job growth and supporting economic mobility across communities. Through their collective impact programs and partnerships, CRF addresses critical gaps in small business capital access, particularly in underserved markets, making them a vital intermediary in community economic development.

LiftFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding economic opportunity through affordable small business financing, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial support. Since 1994, LiftFund has helped underserved entrepreneurs access capital and business resources that traditional financial institutions often overlook. The organization provides loans, grants, business coaching, capital readiness programs, and community partnerships that help entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow businesses while creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Mission Driven Finance is an impact investing and lending platform that provides capital to small businesses and nonprofits without requiring personal guarantees. They focus on filling the financing gap between philanthropy and conventional investments, targeting businesses that lack sufficient access to affordable capital from traditional sources. The organization operates with the mission of making impact investing accessible and easy for everyone, envisioning a future where all investments are optimized for impact. They work with local and national investors to help them create the social impact they desire while providing structured financial products designed to close financial gaps and opportunity gaps. Since launching in 2016, Mission Driven Finance has become a significant force in accelerating positive social change through innovative financing mechanisms. They have successfully mobilized over $50 million in assets into communities, demonstrating their ability to bridge the gap between capital and worthy enterprises that struggle to achieve scale through conventional funding sources.

Momentus Capital is working to reinvent traditional financial systems by offering a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to help entrepreneurs, community-based organizations, and local leaders at every growth stage. They provide flexible financing options including a range of debt and equity products, business advising and training, and connections to networks that support small business owners, social enterprise leaders, community-minded developers, and creators of community facilities. Their mission is to help build communities and small businesses by providing access to the capital and opportunities they deserve, with a vision of creating an economic system that respects and uplifts all peoples' right to achieve their dreams for themselves, their communities, and generations to come. As a non-profit organization, they operate through a family of branded organizations including Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, and Momentus Securities. Momentus Capital addresses a critical gap in the current financial system that denies local leaders and entrepreneurs the opportunity to contribute fully to their communities and shared economy. By focusing on expanding capital and opportunities for communities that have been underserved by traditional financial institutions, they serve as engines of job creation and economic activity that help build healthy communities from within.

Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) is a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides flexible financing, consulting, advocacy, and financial tools to help nonprofits build long-term financial resilience. Founded in 1980, NFF partners with nonprofit organizations, foundations, government agencies, and impact investors to strengthen communities through mission-aligned capital and financial expertise. NFF combines lending with strategic consulting, research, and sector advocacy to improve how nonprofits are financed. Its work spans affordable housing, education, healthcare, arts and culture, community development, climate resilience, and other mission-driven sectors across the United States.

The Reinvestment Fund is a community development financial institution that focuses on neighborhood revitalization by combining expertise, analysis, and creative approaches to investing with a social purpose. They provide financing, grants, and assistance across multiple focus areas including climate and sustainability, early childhood education, equitable food systems, health, housing, K-12 education, and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Their mission centers on building strong, healthy, more equitable communities through targeted and transformative investments. The organization operates by offering various loan products, leveraging New Markets Tax Credits, providing grants and resources, and implementing pay-for-success models that align public investment with high-impact services. The Reinvestment Fund plays a significant role in the community development ecosystem by addressing critical gaps in financing for underserved communities and social impact projects. With national reach and offices in Atlanta and Philadelphia, they serve as a bridge between traditional finance and community needs, reimagining how capital can be deployed to create lasting positive change in neighborhoods across the country.