The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs: Investing in the strength and scale of Black-led CDFIs
Our programs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs empowers Black CDFI CEO members to lead and grow their institutional operations, teams, and social impact.
How The Alliance works to strengthen the small business ecosystem in the United States
How The Alliance works to strengthen the small business ecosystem in the United States
- The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs ("The Alliance") is the only national organization focused specifically on strengthening the capacity, influence, and visibility of Black-led community development financial institutions. By equipping its members with access to capital, training, and tools for institution-building, the Alliance is helping CDFIs expand their services to small businesses and entrepreneurs of all races and genders in communities long overlooked by traditional finance.
- As new capital streams emerge, The Alliance is working to ensure its members are positioned to lead. Through dedicated technical assistance and peer learning, the Alliance is helping its members access, deploy, and maximize these resources in ways that align with community priorities and long-term resilience.
Program overview
Our work together
The Alliance, with support from Mastercard Strive USA, is preparing its members to access and deploy funding for clean energy. Through its Environment and Climate Technical Assistance (ECTA) Program, The Alliance is helping members strengthen their ability to deliver capital, services, and solutions that respond to their communities' environmental and economic needs.
- Building knowledge for climate resilience: The Alliance is training members on the impacts of climate change in the communities they serve and exploring how CDFIs can respond through investment strategies that advance equity and sustainability.
- Strengthening peer learning: Through in-person gatherings and a new member portal, The Alliance facilitates the exchange of ideas, strategies, and lessons learned to build collective strength across its national network.
- Supporting sustainable development: The Alliance is helping its members develop sustainability practices that align with their missions and can be integrated into long-term community development work.
By the numbers
In 2024, The Alliance:
- Provided technical assistance and training to more than 30 member CDFIs.
- Reached 27 small businesses through specialized programming and support.
“Our partnership with Mastercard Strive USA is vital to the Alliance's mission as we empower Black-led CDFIs to drive economic growth and environmental resilience in their communities. It aligns seamlessly with our vision of building robust financial ecosystems for our members as they support sustainable and equitable development. Through this partnership, we aim to leave a legacy of stronger, Black-led institutions, thriving small businesses, and resilient communities well-equipped to face future challenges.”
Lenwood V. Long, Sr.
CEO, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
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