NEW YORKâThe National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (Federation) is holding a series of two-day workshops to help community development financial institutions expand their reach into underserved communities that currently lack a CDFI presence.
The workshops, open to certified and emerging CDFIs, include content that is applicable to all CDFI organizational structures, including loan funds, credit unions, banks, and venture capital funds, the Federation said.
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) will partner with subject matter experts from the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, the Federation, and the Community Development Bankers Association to provide the three workshops. CDFI Fund staff will also be present at all of the workshops to discuss CDFI certification and how the CDFI Fund's programs can support increasing access to financial products and services.
Upcoming workshops:
- Forming New and Affiliated CDFI Entities, June 16-17, 2015, Baltimore: This workshop is designed for participants interested in forming a new CDFI loan fund or venture capital fund. The workshop is also relevant for existing CDFI banks, credit unions, loan funds, and venture capital funds that are interested in forming new, legally-affiliated CDFI entities within their existing organizational structure to serve new, underserved markets.
- Understanding the Benefits of CDFI Status for Newly Certified and Prospective CDFIs, July 22-23, 2015, Denver: This workshop is geared toward newly certified CDFIs or existing community-based banks, credit unions, loan funds, and venture capital funds that want a deeper understanding of the benefits and requirements of CDFI certification for their organization.
- Expansion by Existing CDFIs, August 19-20, 2015, Kansas City, Mo.: This workshop is targeted at existing CDFI banks, credit unions, and loan funds seeking to explore successful strategies for geographic and product expansion in underserved areas and areas of persistent poverty.
The training series also includes technical assistance, provided by OFN and its partners, that closely integrates workshop content, and includes peer cohorts, webinars, one-on-one support, and advanced sessions for CDFIs with specialized and continuing needs.
Up to 80 participants can attend each workshop and attendance is on a first come, first served basis. Registration of individuals will be confirmed within two weeks of submitting your information via OFN's registration page.
Info: Tamika Murphy, tmurphy@ofn.org, (215) 320.4329.