What You Said About #OFN40

All communities deserve to have their values reflected in a collective vision for where they live.

Ruth Thomas-Squance, PhD, MPH, Co Executive Director, Build Healthy Places Network 

My objective for #OFN40 was to discover the drive necessary to conclude this fourth quarter effectively, and I am grateful to have found it.

Tyler Moore, People Trust Community Loan Fund

Yesterday, #OFN40 opened with an enthusiastic bang, and those same five groups [of community organizers and social justice workers] are still in attendance—plus some 2,500 attendees from hundreds of member CDFIs across the country—to mark this history and chart the course for our collective work going forward.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Did you know there is a whole industry addressing the racial wealth divide here in the U.S. by ensuring financial services and economic opportunity are available to all? #CDFIs — Community Development Financial Institutions — have been leading this work for the past 40 years…

Jhana Valentine, Working Solutions CDFI

Being among so many passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference reaffirms our own mission and fuels our dedication to continue this impactful work. We left with new insights, connections, and an even greater drive to serve small businesses. Here’s to the work ahead—together, we are stronger!

Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF)

Amazing to see so many newly activated clean energy and decarbonization lenders in one room. Thank you @OppFinance for convening all of us here at #OFN40.

Ravi Mikkelsen, Co-Founder of Atmos Financial

‘The future of food system financing is a return to community organizing.’ – Lauren DeSimone. Community development finance needs to go back to it’s history is rooted in civil rights organizing and a commitment to racial justice. Funders should see beyond their grants or deals and embrace a community-led, place based organizing strategy for transformative change.

Clare Fox, Executive Director Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders (SAFSF)

After working in the industry over the past year and attending the OFN conference, I have decided to continue my early career in the community development finance field.

Ricardo Peres-da-Silva (BBA ’25), University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business

CPC is honored to be named Outstanding CDFI by @OppFinance! In our 50th year, our commitment to the long-term stability and affordability of the communities in which we lend and invest has never been stronger, and we’re grateful to OFN for the recognition. #OFN40 #CDFI

Community Preservation Corporation