OFN Member Empowers Nebraskan Communities Through Tax Education and Financial Services

Avery Kaplan, Associate, Membership at Opportunity Finance Network

Read time: 6 minutes

In January, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and honor his enduring legacy of justice, equity, and civil rights. This month also brings an opportunity to spotlight a valuable resource on the path toward economic equity: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day on January 31! 

In recognition of these observances, we are highlighting OFN member Lending Link, a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lending Link provides services that exemplify how tax-related education is a crucial step on the road to financial freedom. 

Dedicated to making financial services accessible to those excluded by traditional banks, Lending Link offers affordable loans, financial coaching, tax preparation, and technical assistance to individuals and microbusiness owners. These services empower Nebraskans to achieve financial independence.  

Read on to learn more about their impact in our Q&A with Lending Link’s Executive Director, Daniel Padilla.

What’s your “why” for working in the community development space, and how did you end up at Lending Link?  

I am passionate about economic empowerment and believe that everyone deserves access to tools that can help them thrive financially. I became Executive Director of Lending Link because I saw an opportunity to bridge a critical gap in the community by providing accessible financial solutions. My experience as a banker aligns with our mission to uplift underserved communities through financial inclusion.   

What is a unique aspect about Lending Link and the community you serve?   

Lending Link is unique because it serves as a financial lifeline for individuals and microbusiness owners who are overlooked by traditional financial institutions. We provide access to low-cost capital and financial coaching, helping clients avoid predatory lending while building their financial stability. Many of our clients, particularly immigrants and underserved populations, are entering the formal financial system for the first time through our programs.  

How do you describe your organization to members of the community you serve?   

We’re here to help you succeed. Whether you need a small loan, help with filing taxes, or support to start or grow a business, Lending Link is a trusted partner. We offer services that are easy to access, affordable, and designed to help you achieve your financial goals.  

Tell us about Lending Link’s tax preparation service. How did it start? What is its impact?   

Our free tax preparation service began in 2020 as a way to help low- and moderate-income individuals keep more of their hard-earned money. In 2024, we prepared over 2,500 tax returns, saving community members thousands of dollars in fees and maximizing their refunds. This service not only builds trust but also provides an entry point to our other financial services.

What’s the biggest opportunity to create greater impact that Lending Link is considering?  

The biggest opportunity lies in expanding our loan programs in the Omaha market, and in Western Iowa and Pottawattamie County. By growing our lending pool, we can support more individuals and businesses, particularly those in underserved areas, and offer an alternative to high-cost payday lenders. 

What is the biggest challenge for Lending Link right now?   

Our challenge is securing sufficient funding to meet the growing demand for our services. However, this is also an opportunity to build partnerships and raise awareness about the transformative impact of accessible financial services.

What advice do you have for people who are interested in learning about community development and the CDFI Industry?   

Get involved! Volunteer, intern, or connect with a CDFI in your area to see the work firsthand. It’s a field where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives by fostering financial inclusion and economic growth.  

What is a challenge facing the CDFI industry right now, and how can the industry rise to meet that challenge?  

The industry faces funding constraints, particularly for small-dollar consumer loans. To address this, we must advocate for increased public and private investment while demonstrating the measurable impact of our work.  

How do you describe OFN to people who are unfamiliar with our network?  

OFN is the backbone of the CDFI industry. They are a powerful advocate and resource hub, bringing together CDFIs across the country to drive economic equity and opportunity.  

Become an OFN Member

OFN members represent loan funds, banks, venture capital funds, and credit unions working in all 50 states. Join the movement that transforms communities.  

Become an OFN member and connect with the resources, partnerships, and advocacy that empower CDFIs to go deeper, move money, and change lives.

Save the Dates for More OFN Events and Training

Save the dates for other 2025 OFN events and training, including the 41st annual OFN Conference!

The annual OFN Conference is one of the largest, most anticipated gatherings for CDFIs. Each year, thousands of practitioners, investors, policymakers, researchers, students, and more convene to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the work CDFIs do to expand economic opportunity.

Join us from October 20-23 in Washington, D.C., for the 41st OFN Conference! Registration will open in August.

See the full lineup of 2025 OFN events and trainings.

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Tags: Community Development, Member Highlight, OFN Membership, Small Business