A movement for economic justice.

The Alliance has brought together Black-Led CDFIs from all over the nation with funds of all sizes. We began with a few institutions but have now grown exponentially.

What We Do

We believe we are stronger together

We prioritize and center the voices and needs of Black communities to inform our work. The Alliance supports and empowers CDFI CEOs to lead and grow their institutional operations, teams, and social impact.

  • Advocate for institutional and public policies

    We address the barriers to community and economic development, Black business growth, wealth creation, and financial protections in African American communities

  • Empower a national network of African-American CDFI CEOs

    We strengthen our member fiscal and impact capacity using best practices to facilitate social and economic advancement in their communities.

  • Advance Racial Equity & Black Wealth

    We utilize research tools to elevate the disproportionate investment in Black-led CDFIs, and to advocate for a redistribution of capital flow to these CDFIs.

Who We Are

Become a member

We support and believe in the unique experiences, strengths, talents, and opportunities presented by our members. By coming together as chief executives, we amplify the voices of the Black community and economic development finance leaders and elevate the specific personal and professional challenges they face.
Membership

  • Advocacy

    We elevate the voices of Black community leaders by serving as a thought-leader for CDFI public policy issues and engaging in research that are in the best interest in the of Black CDFIs’ sustainability and stakeholders

  • Access to Capital

    Utilize research tools to elevate the disproportionate investment in Black-led CDFIs, and to advocate for a redistribution of capital flow to these CDFIs.

  • Peer Mentoring Programs

    Support to help lead and grow their institutional operations, teams, and social impact.

  • Training Opportunities

    Access to webinars and educational opportunities to help members build capacity and grow their CDFI.

African American Equity Impact Scorecard

The Scorecard aims to orient around wealth-building among Black communities and shifts the criteria by which organizations assess every project and helps to address the ways in which we have mirrored inequitable institutionalized practices.

  • Power Building

    Black leaders creating a path toward equitable policies and practices within the Black community.

  • Economic Development and Job Creation

    Non-profits, cooperatives, and businesses working toward a living wage, basic benefits, career-building, wealth-building opportunities and/or a fair and engaging workplace.

  • Equity

    Projects proactively addressing historical and current systemic oppression in order to ensure fairness in the access to opportunities, resources, and rights for the Black community.

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In Memoriam: Inez Long

We honor the life and legacy of Inez Long, who served as President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) Florida and was a cherished board member and co-founder of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.

Inez was a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to economic justice transformed the landscape for Black and minority-owned businesses. For over 30 years, she led BBIF with passion, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence.

As a co-founder of The Alliance, Inez was a driving force in advancing Black-led CDFIs, ensuring that communities of color had the resources and support needed to thrive. Her advocacy and leadership were instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that continue to uplift historically marginalized businesses.  Her legacy of empowerment, community development, and economic resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.

Support The Alliance: Invest in Transformative Change

Donate
At The Alliance, we empower thousands of persistently underserved entrepreneurs and Black communities through our growing network of over 110+ members. Your generosity fuels impactful programs, influential policy advocacy, and accessible loan funds —strengthening financial and operational capabilities so Black-led CDFIs can better serve entrepreneurs who would otherwise lack access to capital and technical assistance. Together, we can close the racial wealth gap and build a more equitable economy.
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Our Partners

Our partners and funders help us to strengthen our communities. We thank each of them and those that will join us in the near future as we work to close the racial equity gap nationwide.
Partners

Latest News & Events

Check out our latest news on our work towards closing the racial wealth gap.
  • July 24, 2025

    A Promising Step Toward Equity in Homeownership 

    The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently rolled out a policy change that could reshape how mortgage lenders evaluate creditworthiness. For the first time, lenders working with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be allowed to factor in on-time rent payments when reviewing mortgage applications.  This change matters because for millions of renters, especially those

    Read More
  • July 17, 2025

    What You Need to Know About the Rescissions Package – and Why It Matters to CDFIs 

    The U.S. Senate has passed a $9 billion rescissions package first approved by the House last month. The bill, driven by the Trump administration, would claw back already-approved funds from several discretionary programs, including foreign aid and public broadcasting.  While the bill does not directly target CDFI programs, the way it was structured and the

    Read More
  • July 8, 2025

    The Alliance Hosts 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference: The Power of Service 

    With a spirit full of purpose, innovation, and legacy, The Alliance held their third in-person Annual Meeting & Conference in Charleston, SC, from June 24 – 27, 2025. Anchored in the theme, “The Power of Service: Leading with Purpose, Serving with Passion,” this year’s conference paid tribute to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of

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  • June 13, 2025

    Protest Is Not a Crisis

    Los Angeles shows us what can happen when protest is met with force instead of dialogue. It started with a series of ICE raids at worksites and in neighborhoods across the city. More than 100 people were detained in a single day, many without prior records, according to legal observers. Community members responded quickly. That

    Read More
  • June 13, 2025

    Press Release: The Alliance Hosts 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference in Charleston, SC. 

    The Largest National Convening for Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions  For Immediate Release  June 11, 2025  CHARLESTON, S.C. – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announces its 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference, convening over 200 Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) leaders, funders, speakers, and community advocates to advance economic justice within

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  • May 13, 2025

    The First 100 days of the Trump Administration in 2025: Impacts on the Black Community & CDFI Industry

    The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have introduced major federal shifts with serious implications for Black communities and the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector.  On May 2, 2025, the administration proposed a $100 million Rural Financial Award Program requiring 60% of CDFI activity to serve rural areas—potentially sidelining urban, majority-Black communities.

    Read More
More News & Events

Contact Us

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Leave us a note by filling out the form or email us at [email protected]

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African American
Alliance of CDFI CEOs

301 E.Pine Street, Ste. 175
Orlando, Florida 32801

Phone: +1 984 263 9380