CDFIs Make a Difference.
From jobs and individual wealth creation to education and wellness improvement, CDFIs impact our communities in important ways.
Our Impact
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have a crucial and long-lasting impact on the communities they serve. Small businesses, nonprofits, and community facilities nationwide benefit from the capital and technical assistance CDFIs bring. From 2005 to 2023, CDFIs loaned over $1 billion across the Kansas City metropolitan area. CDFIs also provided over 6,500 loans, created or retained over 17,000 total jobs, and supported over 7,000 total housing units. To find out more information, check out our new Interactive CDFI Outcome Maps of Kansas and CDFI Outcome Maps of Missouri, showcasing the contributions CDFIs have made to Kansas and Missouri’s Senate and House of Representatives Districts.
Kansas City Metropolitan Area
Read about just a few of our clients’ experiences working with our members:
Toni Remick, owner of Tails and Topknots in Olathe, Kansas, was able to secure a $5,000 loan from DreamSpring, covering her startup costs and helping her advertise her business. Remick says, "It’s been a huge relief, and I’m so grateful for the peace of mind that comes with having working capital to keep me going until I can build everything up.” READ MORE
Central Bank of Kansas City provided an $11 million NMTC allocation to Operation Breakthrough, helping expand its Troost campus in Kansas City. The project provided education, healthcare, and parenting programs to surrounding neighborhoods. It added space for 300 more K-8 students and introduced MakerCity—a hands-on learning space where students build STEM, arts, and academic skills. READ MORE
With the support of Justine PETERSEN, Stewart Langer was able to secure an SBA Microloan that provided the essential startup and working capital needed to launch Glassmaster Studio, LLC. Thanks to this partnership, Stewart was able to bring his vision to life, transforming his passion for decorative and architectural glass into a thriving business rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. READ MORE
The Four Types of CDFIs
CDFIs come in four different types: Community Development Banks, Credit Unions, Loan Funds, and Venture Capital Funds. While each category is different, all CDFIs have a similar goal: to financially and professionally assist entrepreneurs with their business goals. Knowing which CDFI to work with is essential to finding the financing that best fits your business's needs.
Community Development Banks: For-profit, regulated entities focused on lending and investment in underserved communities. Best for businesses and organizations needing traditional banking services, commercial real estate loans, and large capital injections.
OUR MEMBERS: Central Bank of Kansas City
Credit Unions: Member-owned, regulated cooperatives promoting savings and affordable credit for low-income populations. Best for individuals and households who need affordable personal loans, mortgages, and basic savings or checking accounts.
OUR MEMBERS: Holy Rosary Credit Union, KC Unidos FCU
Loan Funds: Revolving pools of capital providing specialized financing for housing, small businesses, and community services. Best if you are a business owner or non-profit developer.
OUR MEMBERS: AltCap, IFF, Impacto, Justine PETERSEN, DreamSpring
Venture Capital Funds: Organizations offering equity investments to businesses in distressed areas. Best for small to medium-sized businesses in distressed areas looking for growth capital. Venture capital funds make up less than 1% of CDFIs nationwide.
