2025 Virtual OFN Forum to Focus on Technology – Register Now!

Join OFN’s free CONNECT+ Forum series throughout January to explore how CDFIs can integrate technology to increase their resiliency and impact.

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The technological breakthroughs of recent years are transforming every industry, and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing. In this rapidly shifting landscape, it is more important than ever that CDFIs and mission-driven lenders harness technology to maximize their efficiency, organizational resilience, and community impact.  

CDFIs can benefit greatly from tools that streamline operations, stretch limited resources, and expand their reach. Yet, emerging technologies like AI and automation also carry considerable risks — perpetuating bias, threatening privacy, and deepening existing disparities— that can harm the very communities CDFIs aim to serve.  

This year’s CONNECT+ Forum will feature conversations on the role of technology in the community development field. From generative AI to fintech partnerships, we’ll explore key trends shaping the future of CDFIs and how to turn them into opportunities for growth, equity, and agility.  

Practitioners will also explore how to identify the right tools to advance their work, chart a course for implementation, and strengthen their ongoing processes and culture to get the most out of systems. Across the sessions, attendees will come away with new perspectives and actionable strategies for leveraging technology in their work. 

Join us virtually throughout January to learn, connect, and discuss these topics and more at OFN’s virtual CONNECT+ Forum series! 

What to Expect at the 2025 Virtual CONNECT+ Forum 

The 2025 CONNECT+ Forum is back, with a brand-new format! Four engaging, compact webinars will be offered throughout the month, replacing our previous half-day format. In addition, OFN members can take advantage of two member-only sessions on essential technology topics, where they can engage directly with experienced practitioners and peers.  

Highlights of this year’s event include:  

• Insights on the impacts of emerging AI technology for mission-driven organizations, from leaders within the CDFI industry and beyond 
• Member-only office hours on cybersecurity and data privacy 
• Practical discussions on the nuts and bolts of turning a technology vision into reality 
• The release of new resources for strengthening technology use in your organization 

Register Now! 

Sign up now for the following CONNECT+ Forum events!

We will make session panel recordings available for free on-demand after the series ends. Office hours will not be recorded. 

• Tuesday, January 14: Webinar | Beyond the Buzzwords: Building a Tech-Ready CDFI Culture 

From generative AI to fintech partnerships, we’ll explore key trends shaping the future of CDFIs and how to turn them into opportunities for growth, equity, and agility.

• Wednesday, January 15: Member-Only Office Hours | Cybersecurity and Data Privacy for CDFIs

Join this exclusive session for OFN members to engage with peers on critical cybersecurity and digital privacy issues for CDFIs.

• Tuesday, January 21: Webinar | Equipped for Impact: Technology Adoption and Implementation

In this second session, we shift from strategy to execution, diving into the nuts and bolts of technology adoption and implementation.

• Wednesday, January 22: Member-Only Office Hours | Working Smarter, Not Harder: Technology Strategies for Small CDFIs 

Join this OFN member-only office hour to discuss practical approaches to leveraging technology for greater efficiency and impact.

• Tuesday, January 28: Webinar | AI in Community Finance: Ethics and Opportunities  

This session will provide the opportunity to step back and consider the broader context of AI and its relevance for the community development finance field.

• Wednesday, January 29: Webinar | Technology and Your Community: Bridging Divides

This final session shifts the lens outward, focusing on how CDFIs can ensure their communities are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Thank you to the Citi Foundation for making complementary registration possible.
 
New to the CONNECT+ Forum? Watch session recordings from our March 2024 forum focused on CDFI capitalization. 

Check out OFN’s upcoming 2025 events and trainings here.

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Tags: CDFI Leadership, Community Development, OFN Membership, Technology