25 Years Of Community Development Finance

This article summarizes the lessons Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) have learned over the past two and a half decades, and outlines the strategies they might pursue to best meet the needs of underserved people and markets in the year

1 minute read

December 14, 2001, 5:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


Over the past twenty-five years, Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) have worked from the margins to help finance thousands of successful businesses and projects in low-income and minority markets. During this time, they have also constantly striven to change mainstream ideas and assumptions about financing community development. In the midst of continuing shifts in the financial services industry, CDFIs today stand at a crossroads. As they look toward the future, industry professionals are grappling with how they can better relate to conventional systems and structures, develop new and innovative products and services, and expand their role as effective intermediaries and advocates. Mark Pinsky discusses these issues, and offers recommendations on how CDFIs can remain viable and best serve the needs of low income and minority communities in the years to come.

Thanks to Kurt Sommer

Thursday, December 13, 2001 in The Brookings Institution

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog