WELCOME TO
the network.
Built by coalitions, for coalitions.
The Network of State CDFI Coalitions is a national body created by and for the state-level coalitions that support Community Development Financial Institutions across the country. We help coalitions launch, grow, and sustain — so more capital reaches the communities they serve.
About the network
A few years ago, a handful of people leading state CDFI coalitions started meeting. Not to build anything — mostly because the work is hard, and they wanted company. Nobody had staff for it. Nobody had a budget. There was no organization, no logo, no letterhead. There were just coalition leaders who kept showing up for each other, because the value in collaborating was clear.
Three years and countless conversations later, that group has a name: The Network of State CDFI Coalitions.
Harold Pettigrew, President of Opportunity Finance Network, speaks to members of state CDFI networks at the first gathering during the 2023 OFN Annual Conference.
State CDFI Coalitions meet at a special pre-conference workshop launching The Network at the 2026 OFN Annual Conference.
What We Do - Our Four Pillars
These 4 pillars - formed from countless conversations with leaders doing the work - are the foundation of our shared work. Each pillar is led by a member committee and staffed by coalition leaders from across the country.
Peer Learning — A steady forum to learn what others have tried, what has and hasn’t been successful, and to build the relationships that make the work sustainable.
Policy & Advocacy — Shared tools, trainings, and a coordinated voice at the state and federal level.
Capital & Resources — Centralized information about what’s available and how to get it, facilitating more public and private capital flowing to CDFIs.
Data & Impact — Helping coalitions show how their work is impacting communities — best practices for impact tracking, a state coalition landscape report, and shared ways of telling the story with evidence.
Collaboration & Storytelling runs through all four. It’s how the pillars reinforce each other — and how the work becomes visible.
Capacity building is the purpose underneath all of it: everything we do should leave a coalition stronger than we found it.
Varsovia Fernandez- Pennsylvania CDFI Network
Leah Fremouw - Virginia CDFI Coalition
Jennifer Hayes - Invest Detroit and Michigan CDFI Coalition
Greg Lawson - Opportunity Finance Network
Nate Schaffran - California Coalition for Community Investment
Carl Swanson - Minnesota CDFI Coalition
Deborah Temple -Community Capital Coalition of Arkansas
Joe Sky-Tucker - Washington State CDFI Coalition
Miles Zeller - Kansas City CDFI Coalition
John Zody - CDFI Friendly Bloomington
Leading Partners
The Kresge Foundation
Opportunity Finance Network
Steering Committee
Contact Us.
If you lead a coalition, are trying to start one, or just want to know what’s happening in your state, send us a note.