Unapologetically Us: Five Years of Power, Progress & Purpose
Alliance Annual Impact Report
2025
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2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Unapologetically Us: Five Years of Power, Progress & Purpose Message from Founder & CEO: Lenwood V. Long, Sr....................................................................................................... 4 Message from the President: Amber Banks ........................................................................................................................ 5 Five Years of Impact .........................................................................................................................................................................6-7 The Power of Us: Voices Across the Movement .................................................................................................................. 8 Scaling for Member Impact and Capacity (SFMIAC) Program .......................................................................................9 Investing in Place, Investing in People: PCR’s New Headquarters .........................................................................10 Advancing Community Investment Through New Markets Tax Credits ................................................................. 11 Strengthening and Elevating the Membership Experience ..................................................................................... 12-13 CDFI 101 Initiative: Certification Readiness & Community Stability .......................................................................... 14 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference: The Power of Service ..................................................................................... 15 Total Community Lending Program: Strengthening Systems to Scale Community Impact ..................................................................................................... 16 Housing Justice Champions: Accelerator Advances Housing Equity Through Policy Advocacy ..............................................................................................................................17 The Women-led Initiative: Unapologetically Transforming Systems ..................................................................... 18 Equity Impact Scorecard ................................................................................................................................................................. 19 From Policy to Power: Protecting What Our Communities Built............................................................................... 20 Black Renaissance Fund: Expanding Affordable Capital at Scale ........................................................................... 21 Standing Firm: Funding Through Headwinds ......................................................................................................................23 Environment & Climate: Meeting the Moment on Climate...........................................................................................24 Staff Reflections: Five Years of Growth ...........................................................................................................................25-27 A Legacy of Leadership Honoring Lenwood V. Long, Sr. ................................................................................................ 28 The Alliance in the Media ................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Onward: The Next Chapter Begins ........................................................................................................................................... 30
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Message from Founder & CEO: Lenwood V. Long, Sr. (2020 – 2025) Five years ago, in February 2018, 22 African American CDFI CEOs gathered in Raleigh, North Carolina with a shared conviction: Blackled institutions needed collective power, coordinated advocacy, and equitable access to capital. That moment marked the birth of what would become the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. By May 2020, The Alliance was officially incorporated. In 2021, I was honored to serve as its first President and CEO. Together, we launched our inaugural Strategic Plan, released our PPP Impact Report highlighting $4.4 billion deployed by our members, and began building the national infrastructure necessary to strengthen Black-led CDFIs. Since then, our growth has been both measurable and meaningful. Membership expanded from 22 founding leaders to more than 100 institutions nationwide. We launched the Black Renaissance Fund, unveiled the African American Equity Impact Scorecard, hosted our first in-person Annual Meeting & Conference, and advanced climate justice through the Community Builders of Color Coalition and the Justice Climate Fund. We strengthened partnerships with federal agencies, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, and introduced new initiatives to support women-led CDFIs, housing equity, certification readiness, and technology advancement. Yet we have navigated these milestones amid real industry challenges. Shifting policy landscapes, uncertainty in federal funding, and increasing pressure on community development finance demand resilience and innovation. Black-led CDFIs continue to stand in the gap, serving entrepreneurs, homeowners, and developers who remain overlooked by traditional systems. The Alliance exists to ensure they have the capital, capacity, and influence necessary to thrive. As we celebrate five years of building capacity, building bridges, and building power, we also enter a season of transition. In 2025, I will retire as CEO. Leading this organization has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am confident that the foundation we have built is strong and that the next chapter of leadership will continue advancing our mission with clarity and courage. The work of economic justice is ongoing. Systems must continue to evolve. Capital must flow equitably. And Black communities deserve nothing less than full access to prosperity. The movement we began in 2018 is stronger than ever. And together, we move forward—steadfast, united, and unapologetic in our pursuit of Black equity. Be Steadfast!
CEO, Lenwood V. Long, Sr. 4
Message from the President: Amber Banks
As we reflect five years of impact, growth, and collective leadership, I am filled with both gratitude and resolve. The Alliance was born from a powerful truth: Black-led CDFIs are essential architects of economic justice. Over the past five years, we have built infrastructure that matters. We have expanded membership, launched transformative initiatives and helped mobilize significant capital to support entrepreneurs, homeowners, and developers in communities too often overlooked. We have demonstrated that Black-led institutions are not only participants in the national economy, but they are also leaders shaping its future. We recognize the challenges ahead of us. The need for our communities remains urgent. But Black-led CDFIs have never relied solely on favorable conditions to succeed. We adapt. We lead. As President, I see my role as building on the strong foundation laid by our founding leaders and by CEO Lenwood V. Long, Sr., whose vision and stewardship have positioned The Alliance for this next chapter. Our charge now is clear: deepen capacity, expand access to capital, strengthen our policy voice, and ensure that Black communities have full and fair access to the financial tools necessary to build wealth. The next five years will require bold leadership, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to equity as the only acceptable outcome. Together, with our members, partners, funders, and community advocates, we will continue building capacity, building bridges, and building power. This movement is not slowing down; it is accelerating. And we’re here to stay.
President, Amber Banks
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Five Years of Impact:
2020 THE FOUNDATION IS SET ■ Officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) ■ Formal launch of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
2020–2025
■E stablished as a national, membership-driven intermediary MEMBERSHIP: 22 founding CEOs
2021 STRATEGY. STRUCTURE. NATIONAL VOICE. ■L enwood V. Long, Sr. named first President & CEO ■L aunch of Strategic Plan: Building a Better Future for Black America ■ Release of PPP Impact Report MEMBERSHIP DEPLOYED $4.4B in PPP loans to underserved communities H O R I Z O N TA L
2022 CAPITAL MOBILIZATION & SYSTEMS INNOVATION ■ Launch of the Black Renaissance Fund (BRF) – $125M goal to support Black-led CDFIs ■R ebrand and national visibility expansion ■C ommunity Builders of Color Coalition launched
THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS OF COLOR COALITION 6
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
2025 FIVE YEARS OF BUILDING CAPACITY, BRIDGES & POWER ■ Expanded federal engagement through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund ■ Over 100 Black-led CDFIs supported nationwide IMPACT SINCE FOUNDING: ■ Membership grown nearly 5x ■ Billions in capital deployed by members ■N ational platform influencing policy, philanthropy, and capital markets
2024 FEDERAL INFLUENCE & INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTH ■S trategic partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration ■L aunch of the Women-Led Initiative (WLI) Expansion & Technology Enhancement Project ■C DFI Certification Readiness Accelerator Program introduced ■H ousing Initiative Roadmap released
2023
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH 104 members
ACCOUNTABILITY & CLIMATE LEADERSHIP ■ Unveiling of the African American Equity Impact Scorecard ■ First in-person Annual Meeting & Conference ■ Launch of the Justice Climate Fund (JCF) – A first-of-its-kind climate investment platform led by BIPOC CDFIs MEMBERSHIP GROWTH: 93 members CLIMATE CAPITAL RAISED: $5M+ 7
The Power of Us: Voices Across the Movement: The Alliance was never built by one voice. It was built by many—founding members who dared to imagine something greater, funders who invested early and boldly, and staff and fellows who continue to carry the work forward every day. This section honors the collective leadership that powers our movement. These reflections capture not only why The Alliance was formed, but why it continues to matter. These voices remind us that our strength has always been rooted in community, conviction, and shared purpose. Dr. Alvertis Brooks, Jr., Executive Director of RVCDF “As a young executive director— both in age and experience—I have deeply appreciated the time I’ve spent engaging with Alliance members. The multigenerational diversity of experiences within the Alliance has been invaluable, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect with other African American leaders across the country. The abundance of resources available through The Alliance will be instrumental in strengthening our small operation, ensuring that my staff remains informed and connected to current events. Additional access to capital is another critical opportunity that will support our organization’s growth and impact.”
Amy Gillman, Senior Program Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation “Enabling people to reach their best possible health and wellbeing requires building wealth and opportunity for individuals and families of color. This includes investment in the people and organizations that are helping financial capital flow into the communities where they live, learn, work and play. The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs is uniquely positioned to help to 8
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
disrupt racism, bias, and discrimination and make the community development finance system stronger and more responsive to the needs of Black communities.”
Lauretta Casimir-Mahoney, President & CEO of NeighborWorks “The Alliance is so important. This is the first place in my 25+ year career that I’ve been part of a community that felt safe, sacred, and I didn’t have to code or shrink to minimize the strength that I walk into rooms with. That has been sustaining for me in the last two years and I did not realize it could be.”
James H. Bason, President & CEO of TruFund Financial Services, Inc. “My favorite part about being a member of The Alliance is the opportunity to connect with and learn from a diverse network of professionals and organizations that are equally passionate about creating economic opportunities in underserved communities. The Alliance fosters a sense of shared purpose and collaboration, which is critical as we work to address systemic inequities.”
Della Clark, President & CEO of The Enterprise Center “Being a part of The African American Alliance [of CDFI CEOs] what I have learned most of all is a national perspective, because sitting in the room and at conferences with leaders from all over the United States increase my perspective of what was going on with small businesses throughout America. And one of the best attributes of The Alliance is the ability to connect with other leaders across America. And that has been very important as I have moved in and out of various committees and served on different committees in The Alliance, just hearing their perspective has broadened my own.”
Scaling for Member Impact and Capacity (SFMIAC) Program The Scaling for Member Impact and Capacity (SFMIAC) Program strengthens the operational and financial capacity of Black-led CDFIs to better serve underserved communities. Supported by the Citi Foundation, the program provides a multi-year, holistic model anchored in the Aeris assessment system, offering rigorous analysis of financial strength, performance, and impact. The
Alliance removes barriers by covering the full cost of the Aeris rating, ensuring members, especially those with smaller teams, can access high-quality evaluation, strategic guidance, and executive-level feedback. Through this process, participating CDFIs gain increased visibility with funders and investors, helping unlock new capital and scale their impact.
Scaling Impact in 2025 In 2025, The Alliance expanded SFMIAC to meet growing member demand and deepen its impact across the network. ■ Launched the third Aeris cohort, bringing total
program participation to 15 CDFIs .
■ Advanced multiple organizations through the
rating process, strengthening their readiness to access capital
Participating organizations in the third cohort include: ■ Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund ■ Carolina Community Impact ■ Community Housing Services Agency ■ Black Business Investment Corporation ■ Urban Empowerment Fund
■ Supported members in building stronger
financial systems, operational infrastructure, and growth strategies
By the Numbers
15 CDFIs participating across three cohorts
900+ hours of financial and impact analysis delivered
80+ administrative hours supporting coordination and execution
6 rating assessments completed
Looking Ahead In 2026, The Alliance will continue advancing financial strength and long-term sustainability across its membership by supporting the remaining CDFIs through the assessment and rating process.
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Member Spotlight: Investing in Place, Investing in People: PCR’s New Headquarters
PCR Partners and Board Members at the Symbolic Shoveling Ceremony In June 2025, Alliance member PCR Business Finance (PCR) marked a major milestone with a symbolic groundbreaking for its future headquarters in Los Angeles. After nearly five decades of serving small businesses across Los Angeles County, this moment reflects both resilience and a long-standing commitment to community-rooted growth. Since its founding in 1977, PCR has operated across multiple locations, including more than 30 years in mid-Wilshire before downsizing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite past setbacks, including the sale of a previously acquired building during the Great Recession, PCR remained steadfast in its vision to establish a permanent home in the communities it serves. Its new headquarters will be located near Crenshaw, Hyde Park, and Inglewood—areas often considered an entrepreneurial service desert. The new space will house PCR’s team, provide offices for small business advising, and include a community convening space for up to 50
people, creating a hub for connection, support, and economic activity. Nearly 200 partners, clients, and supporters attended the ceremony, underscoring the collective investment in the organization’s mission. Even without a permanent headquarters in recent years, PCR has delivered significant impact, serving more than 22,000 clients, supporting 46,000 jobs, and deploying over $500 million in capital to underserved businesses. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with a grand opening in Spring 2026, the headquarters is part of a $6 million capital campaign, with $2.5 million already secured. As PCR works toward a debt-free facility, every $50,000 in reduced debt will enable an additional 769 hours of free one-on-one advising for small businesses. More than a building, PCR’s new headquarters stands as a symbol of possibility, demonstrating that with the right support, underserved entrepreneurs and communities can build lasting wealth, stability, and legacy.
“There is nothing more equitable and inclusive than asset ownership, because from that comes strength, longevity and legacy,” said Robertson. “Our hope is that business owners will feel a sense of pride in seeing, visiting and being served in the building, and see it as something that is possible in their own futures, and quite possibly with the aid of PCR.” 10
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Advancing Community Investment Through New Markets Tax Credits The New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) Initiative is a multi-year effort supporting Black-led CDFIs in strengthening their competitiveness in the NMTC application process. Through a partnership with 9th and Clinton, members receive expert guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to refine CDE strategies and strengthen lending track records. In 2025, The Alliance also joined national advocacy efforts that helped secure permanent NMTC authorization at $5 billion annually, increasing long-term investment opportunities. A total of 16 organizations attended including eight emerging CDEs. This session was led by key panelists:
Gina Nisbeth, 9th and Clinton
William Carson, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance
Onika Lewis,
Nonprofit Finance Fund
Brian Colclough,
South Carolina Community Loan Fund
Thanks to support from:
KEY MEMBERS ■
Hilda Kennedy, AmPac Business Capital
■
Watchen Harris Bruce, Baltimore Community Lending
■
Dr. Willie Logan, Ten North Group Rose Washington, Tulsa Economic Development Corporation
■
Blair Duncan, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation
■
■
Aisha Benson, Nonprofit Finance Fund Kevin Price, National Institute of Minority Economic Development
■
■
Byna Elliot, Opportunity Research Fund
Looking Ahead As we move forward, we will continue strengthening our NMTC capacity-building application support initiative while advocating policy reforms that create a more inclusive allocation process for emerging CDEs. 11
Strengthening and Elevating the Membership Experience The Alliance unites, serves, and advances Black-led CDFIs by building institutional capacity, strengthening strategic connections, and expanding collective power. Through virtual learning sessions, inperson convenings, and peer-driven engagement, we create spaces for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and leadership development. Together, we are cultivating a network that is equipped to uplift Black communities nationwide. From 2024-2025, our membership grew from 110 members to 129 members. In 2025, we rolled out enhanced benefits to better serve and support our members:
■ Elevated Member Digest with curated industry insights,
member news, funding and capacity building opportunities, and Alliance announcements to deliver timely, relevant information to member CEOs ■ Amplified member visibility through LinkedIn Lives,
highlighting the innovative strategies, leadership journeys, and community impact of Black-led CDFIs. Across 9 Lives in 2025, the series reached 1,475 accounts, generated 895 video views, and achieved an average engagement rate of 64.8%.
Conferences & Convenings
200+ *
Connect&Collab DINNER
■ The Gathering
Celebrating the retirement of Lenwood V. Long, Sr. and Donna Gambrell 12
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
145+
*
60+
*
*Total estimated attendance
The Alliance Membership NJ
MI IA DE
NH
GA
OH
PA VA
TN
MS
RI
OK
IL TX
NC
VT CA
ALLIANCE MEMBERS BY STATE
WI CT NE
AK
AL
LA SC
MA MN
FL
By the Numbers Engagement rate (avg. event attendance)
Total members:
129
(Full: 90 Associate: 39)
74%
Looking Ahead As a membership organization, The Alliance is focused on deepening its impact on current members while continuing to grow our reach by adding new members to the organization. In 2026, we will strengthen alumni engagement to preserve and share the wisdom of industry trailblazers across our network, while broadening Annual Conference access to welcome additional equity-focused partners.
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CDFI 101 Initiative: Certification Readiness & Community Stability The CDFI Certification Readiness Accelerator (CCRA) is The Alliance’s flagship capacity-building program helping Black-led CDFIs prepare for CDFI Fund certification and recertification. As federal requirements evolved in 2025, CCRA became critical infrastructure, equipping members with expert guidance, structured assessments, and hands-on technical assistance to reduce compliance risk and protect certification status.
By the Numbers
13
WA
(6 Full Members, 7 Associate Members) across two cohorts
organizations served
CA
MD
AZ
100%
of graduating Full Members submitted or resubmitted certification applications in 2025
7 hours of 1:1
Technical assistance per organization, plus executive debriefs
58
convened for an urgent federal policy briefing addressing Target Market and recertification changes
participants
PA MI
NC SC FL
TN
REGIONS REACHED
US VI
Participants gained clarity, improved internal documentation, and aligned systems more closely with CDFI Fund expectations, turning a complex compliance process into a strategic institutional strengthening opportunity. For leaders like Jay Diallo of First Community Capital, the accelerator strengthened more than compliance. “The training guided us toward tightening and improving our processes.” Across cohorts, members reported increased confidence, clearer documentation, and stronger readiness to sustain certification, protecting their ability to deploy capital in the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead In 2026, The Alliance will assess certification outcomes and funding opportunities to determine the next phase of readiness support, ensuring Black-led CDFIs remain positioned to access and steward federal resources. 14
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
2025 Annual Meeting & Conference: The Power of Service The Alliance hosted its third in-person Annual Meeting & Conference in Charleston, SC, June 24–27, 2025, under the theme “The Power of Service: Leading with Purpose, Serving with Passion.” The event honored the legacy of founders Inez Long, Donna Gambrell, and Lenwood V. Long, Sr., and recognized Lenwood’s upcoming retirement. The conference fostered meaningful networking, collaboration, and learning through dynamic sessions on scaling impact, AI, climate finance, and microfinance, alongside keynote speakers and industry leaders. Contributing to the energy and insight of the conference were engaging panels, keynote addresses, and remarks from influential voices, including: Marc Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League; Amber Koonce, Sr. Director of Legal Research & Development, PolicyLink; Xavier Ramey, Founder/CEO, Justice Informed and more. The Alliance thanks its members, partners, and sponsors for their support and looks ahead to continuing this work in New Orleans for the 2026 conference.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
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Total Community Lending Program: Strengthening Systems to Scale Community Impact
12 CDFIs served across three cohorts
$2.10M in capital deployed
92%
completed technology assessments and modernization roadmaps
67
loans originated
Through the Total Community Lending (TCL) Program, The Alliance supported 12 CDFIs and MDIs in modernizing lending systems, strengthening operational efficiency and deploying capital more effectively. TCL also generated critical lessons about technology readiness that now inform The Alliance Technology Initiative and the Technology Implementation Lab launching in 2026.
$31.3K
Average loan size
$110,000 in mobilization grants deployed
82%
transitioned into extended system support
Loan turnaround time: Average where 16.6 reported days
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2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Looking Ahead Participating organizations reported improved workflows, stronger system structure, and early gains in lending efficiency. TCL revealed that successful modernization requires institutional readiness, cross-trained staff, and strong internal systems. While some organizations advanced quickly into active utilization, others faced staffing and implementation challenges. TCL served as a learning laboratory that will strengthen how The Alliance supports modernization moving forward. In 2026, insights from TCL will be embedded into a Technology Implementation Lab, which will be launched to provide more targeted, readiness-aligned technology implementation support for Alliance members.
Housing Justice Champions Accelerator Advances Housing Equity Through Policy Advocacy In 2025, The Alliance launched Housing Justice Champions (HJC), a first-of-its-kind accelerator designed to equip Black-led CDFIs with the tools, skills, and confidence to build power locally and advance equitable housing policy. ■
Developing 10 actionable Campaign Plans to pursue housing justice policy change in cities and states across the Northeast, Southeast, Deep South, Midwest, and Southwest
■
Identifying critical state and local housing needs through rigorous data collection, analysis, and storytelling
■
Mapping power within their communities to identify allies, targets, and key decision-makers
■
ranslating policy advocacy concepts into clear and concrete goals, T strategy, and action through 30+ hours of individualized TA
■
eading, forming, and joining local housing justice coalitions to L pursue advocacy goals
I N 2 025 ,
10 ALLIANCE MEMBERS GREW T H E I R P O L I T I CA L INFLUENCE THROUGH H J C BY:
Stewarded by solidarity economics law firm Gilmore Khandhar LLC, the program combined an original curriculum and facilitated group trainings among Alliance members with more than 30 hours of individualized coaching.
“[HJC] allowed us to look at power-building in a different way,” said Latorrie Geer, CEO of CommunityWorks, a South Carolina-based CDFI working on a campaign to enlist the local business community to support affordable housing creation. “It sometimes feels like we’re one organization in a wheel and supplying this engine of information. But we have power—we’re boots on the ground, and we speak for a group of people who are unable to speak for themselves. We should be leading these conversations…our organization can provide much-needed information to others, but we should also be able to utilize that on our own.”
Looking Ahead In 2026, we will expand targeted strategic support for a select group of 2025 Housing Justice Champions participants as they advance their campaign plans and pursue their policy advocacy goals.
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The Women-led Initiative: Unapologetically Transforming Systems
The Women-led Initiative addresses the intersecting racial and gender inequities that shape the leadership experiences of Black women CDFI leaders who are actively transforming systems built without their inclusion. Through targeted capacity-building, technology solutions, and leadership development, the initiative strengths the institutions they lead and the communities they serve. “Unapologetically Us” is a declaration for women CEOs who are leading fully as themselves, rooted in culture, conviction and community.
By the Numbers Women in membership:
46 organizations
Estimated hours of training:
48 hours
New partnerships CPO IT 2 with Solutions and ZenPrivata
Key Highlights: Hosted “The Equity Exchange,” convening nine members who reflected on current challenges, goals and collaboration opportunities to drive shared outcomes.
■
Led the fireside chat, “Power, Purpose, and Capital: Fundraising Strategy” featuring Della Clark of The Enterprise Center and moderated by J. Averi Frost of Freedom Equity.
■
Advanced Phase Two of the Women-Led Initiative Technology Enhancement Project in partnership with CPO IT Solutions and ZenPrivata, delivering six weeks of interactive training on CDFI cybersecurity framework implementation and Salesforce reporting optimization.
■
“The training helped us transition from data entry to analytics, and we learned key strategies for improving engagement and comprehension despite varying tech literacy levels. The facilitation style, follow-up support, and resources provided were exceptional. This experience has been one of our most rewarding capacity-building efforts, and we hope this initiative will continue beyond Phase Two.” - Deborah McKetty of South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF)
Looking Ahead In 2026, we will further strengthen the Women-Led Initiative by enhancing the user experience through improved technology integration and streamlined program design. Participants will gain practical tools aligned with the pace of their learning and application needs. Building on this progress, Phase Three of WLITEP will introduce a hands-on implementation component, allowing organizations to apply what they’ve learned with real-time expert feedback before deployment. 18
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
The African American Equity Impact Scorecard is an initiative of The Alliance that serves as an accountability framework driving practice change across the CDFI ecosystem. Designed to embed racial equity into underwriting, investment, and portfolio decisions, the Scorecard helps lenders and investors align capital with measurable community wealth outcomes. In 2025, the Scorecard continued to grow as both a platform and a community of practice, supporting institutions committed to turning equity commitments into operational reality.
By the Numbers
19
34
21
$17MM
Scorecard adopters
Active users
Scorecard submissions in 2025
in projects assessed this year
281
$195MM
27
Total projects assessed to date
in investments evaluated through the Scorecard framework
Organizations engaged in Community of Practice sessions
The Scorecard is shaping how institutions define impact, moving beyond intention toward measurable wealth-building outcomes in Black communities. ■
The Scorecard was featured at the NCRC Just Economy Conference 2025 in the panel discussion, “Beyond the Buzz: Keeping Racial Equity at the Heart of Finance.” ■
Panelists shared how adopters are embedding equity into decision-making frameworks and showcased wealth-building projects advancing Black community investment. The session expanded visibility, generated recruitment interest, and elevated the Alliance’s leadership in equitable finance.
Looking Ahead Having reached a natural milestone, the African American Equity Impact Scorecard was sunset in 2025, closing a chapter defined by adoption, experimentation, and real practice change across the CDFI ecosystem. .In 2026, The Alliance will develop and release the Scorecard Capstone Report, a comprehensive reflection on what the initiative built, tested, and learned over its lifespan. 19
From Policy to Power: Protecting What Our Communities Built In a year defined by defense, the Alliance ensured the field did not retreat. The Alliance’s policy and research work transforms the lived experiences of Black-led CDFIs into policy power. In 2025, amid a challenging federal landscape, our focus was clear: protect the funding, rules, and infrastructure that allow Black-led institutions to serve their communities. The Alliance’s policy and research work translates the lived experiences of Black-led CDFIs into tangible policy influence. In 2025, against a difficult federal backdrop, our priority was unambiguous: safeguard the funding, rules, and infrastructure that enable Black-led institutions to serve their communities. As equity-focused programs came under intensified scrutiny, The Alliance held the line. Through bipartisan advocacy, rigorous research, and practical tools built for our members, we kept Black-led CDFIs visible, informed, and equipped to shape the decisions driving community finance. In a year that demanded defense, The Alliance made sure the field held its ground, Black-led CDFIs stayed funded, operational, and recognized as essential to the nation’s community finance system.
In 2025, The Alliance: efended the CDFI Fund D n Protected fair lending and transparency n
n n
Produced original research to shape the narrative Equipped members with practical policy tools.
By the Numbers
20+ bipartisan congressional
1
meetings
CEOs 24 Member participated in
white 1 original paper; 8-part
Hill Day
research series
Federal testimony delivered
2 member-facing policy tools
4 Regulatory comment letters submitted
produced
blog posts; 12 Policy multiple national op-eds
Looking Ahead In 2026, federal legislative movement may remain limited, but regulatory risk will continue. The Alliance will prioritize rapid response to rulemaking, coordinated advocacy, and expanded engagement at the state and local levels, where many decisions about capital deployment are now made. 20
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Black Renaissance Fund: Expanding Affordable Capital at Scale BY THE NUMBERS
$7.1 million in loans under management as of year-end 2025
7 high-impact loans deployed across member institutions
$1M+ Average loan size, supporting meaningful balance sheet growth
6-year average loan term, promoting long-term patient capital
The Black Renaissance Fund (BRF) advanced its mission in 2025 by delivering affordable, flexible capital to Black-led CDFIs nationwide. Building on foundational investments and operational readiness achieved in prior years, BRF scaled deployment, strengthened internal lending capacity, and expanded support through both loan and grant capital. These efforts enhanced member balance sheets, increased lending capacity, and positioned BRF as a trusted, missionaligned source of low-cost capital driving equitable economic development. n
Deployed $3.9 million in loan capital to 5 CDFI members
n
Secured $1.5 million in new investments
n
Launched a green and resilient lending round
n
Awarded $500,000 in catalytic grants to strengthen member capacity
n
Enabled 26% portfolio growth for a member through targeted BRF support
2025 BRF ACTIVITY
Average loan size
Black-led CDFIs funded
$780,000
5
Capital Deployed
$4.4 million
PARTNERS & FUNDERS
4 states represented: Massachusetts, Illinois, California, and Minnesota
“In all honesty, I am not sure how I would survive without the support on multiple levels from The Alliance! You all provide resources but more importantly provide a space for leaders to feel seen and heard. You are constantly advocating for all of us. Thank you! My team thanks you too!” -Renay Dossman, President & CEO of Neighborhood Development Center 21
Financial Summary & Overview The Alliance continues to demonstrate strong financial and operational growth, made possible by the support of our funders, members, and partners. In 2025, we strengthened our financial position, expanded our lending and programmatic impact, and continued investing in the long-term sustainability of Black-led CDFIs and the communities they serve.
Between 2024 and 2025, the Alliance achieved several significant milestones. While total revenue and support decreased from $8.58 million in 2024 to $5.48 million in 2025 due primarily to the timing of grant funding and donor-restricted releases, the Alliance successfully expanded its lending operations through the Black Renaissance Fund and continued to strengthen member-serving programs and strategic initiatives.
REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT
AUDITED AT 12/31/2025
GRANT INCOME
$4,607,236
OTHER INCOME & SUPPORT
$875,312
TOTAL REVENUE & SUPPORT
$5,482,548
EXPENSES EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES
$5,721,600
MGMT & GENERAL
$822,233
FUNDRAISING
$401,420
TOTAL EXPENSES
$6,945,253
In 2025, the Alliance deployed additional capital through its Black Renaissance Fund, increasing total loans receivable from $3.04 million in 2024 to $6.75 million in 2025. ASSETS Total assets increased to $15.11 million in 2025, reflecting continued organizational growth and expansion of missiondriven investments. Net assets totaled $10.14 million, positioning the Alliance to deepen its impact and pursue bold strategic goals in 2026 and beyond.
Cash
$6,958,485
Loans Receivable, Net
$6,745,000
Total Assets
$15,113,990
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
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2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Current Liabilities
$277,677
Notes Payable
$4,700,000
Net Assets
$10,136,313
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$15,113,990
Standing Firm: Funding Through Headwinds In 2025, as national conversations around DEI and economic equity intensified, The Alliance remained steadfast in advancing our mission. Many financial partners deepened their support, while others continued to champion our work internally, even amid changing corporate and political dynamics. At the same time, we diversified our funding strategy, expanding engagement with private philanthropy and individual donors to strengthen long-term sustainability.
While some partners paused commitments due to shifting external pressures, we remain confident that the long-term case for economic justice, and the role of Black-led CDFIs in strengthening our economy, remains clear. Our development strategy focused on two priorities: securing sustainable funding and elevating The Alliance’s impact within the broader CDFI and economic justice ecosystem.
2025 REVENUE:
$5,182,721
$1,500,000
$299,352
in Grants, Sponsorships and Contributions
in Debt capital
in other revenue
These investments ensure that The Alliance can continue equipping Black-led CDFIs with the tools, advocacy, and capital access needed to close the racial wealth gap. We extend our sincere gratitude to our foundation, corporate, and capital partners for their continued commitment to this work.
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Environment & Climate: Meeting the Moment on Climate
The year 2025 presented formidable challenges to climate action and environmental justice. Yet the Alliance recognizes that environment and climate (E&C) work is a necessary component of sustainable economic development. Without clean air, clean water, and healthy food, our communities cannot thrive. Without resilience to worsening wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, borrowers cannot reliably repay loans, and the small businesses and homes that anchor our neighborhoods remain at risk.
A Year of Building Capacity and Momentum In 2025, the Alliance welcomed Trevor Thompson, MEM, MBA, as Director of Environment & Climate. Under Trevor’s leadership, the E&C team partnered with Alliance staff to meet members where they were. Providing the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to navigate shifting federal policy, deepen their understanding of climate risk, and unlock new pathways for green lending.
Major Accomplishments The E&C initiative delivered for members across three strategic priorities: Educating and equipping members. Through pre-conference programming and year-round education, the department deepened members’ green lending expertise, framing climate action as a civil rights issue and emphasizing adaptation, resilience, and protection against escalating threats alongside clean energy.
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Connecting members to capital. The Alliance opened doors to alternative funding by introducing members to green banks, co-lenders, and missionaligned impact investors committed to community-centered climate finance.
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Responding to policy headwinds. When H.R.1, “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” reshaped the federal clean energy landscape, the Alliance moved quickly to help members understand how to safe harbor projects and capture the value of expiring clean energy tax credits before key deadlines.
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Tate Hill, President & CEO of Access Plus Capital: “[the] pre-conference climate lending summit … was outstanding—inspirational and informational. One of the key things that I took away was this expanding of what we defined as ‘climate-related’ that can include disaster relief, and some other components.”
Looking Ahead In 2026, E&C will continue surfacing climate finance opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, and equipping members to navigate an evolving policy landscape. Education efforts will deepen around climate adaptation and resilience, with a sharper focus on regional impacts and locally responsive solutions. Looking further ahead, E&C is exploring how CDFIs can lead the way in “clean community development”—an approach that centers clean air, clean water, and healthy homes as foundational to thriving communities. 24
2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Staff Reflections: Five Years of Growth
Awamary Khan “What makes The Alliance special is its ability to combine advocacy, capital access, technical assistance, and peer learning into a unified ecosystem that strengthens institutions serving historically undercapitalized communities. For the Accounting & Finance Team, this means operating at the intersection of stewardship and strategy; ensuring financial integrity, transparency, and sustainability while enabling members to access and deploy capital effectively.”
Janice Dsouza “Over the past five years, we’ve helped shift the narrative from questioning whether Blackled CDFIs belong in the national conversation to recognizing that they are essential architects of economic justice. Our work has strengthened institutions, amplified voices, and moved capital in ways that directly impact families and communities. I’m proud to help elevate that voice in my role and to ensure our members are not only seen and heard but centered in the future of community finance.”
Richard Moore “The overall mission of The Alliance and the member focus that the staff demonstrates make the Alliance special. Over the past five years, we have demonstrated the ability to adapt and guide our members through a changing environment. Through our programs and offerings, several CDFIs have received more capital to lend, have been assisted in navigating the waters of CDFI certification, and others have received an assessment of their financial position and how they can make a bigger impact on those they serve. All have had the opportunity to receive leadership development and expanded opportunities through strategic, intentional networking.”
Isis Pierre “The Alliance is the first intermediary to support and address the needs of Black-led CDFIs. We have curated a space for CDFI CEOs to network, connect, and discuss key issues that impact economic development. Collectively, we are deeply aware of the issues and all work to advance racial and economic justice, nationally. We are providing members with knowledge, skills, and expertise to enhance their financial operations and to increase lending capacity in LMI communities.”
Erica L. King “What makes The Alliance special is our unwavering commitment to empowering leaders who are actively working to level the playing field for marginalized communities. Through our Black Renaissance Fund, we ensure equitable access to capital by standing alongside communitybased institutions that understand the challenges and opportunities within the communities they serve. Even amid political noise and shifting narratives, we remain grounded in our mission and clear about our values. This clarity of purpose allows us to lead with integrity, align capital with members’ needs, and create space for innovation that is driven by equity, not compromise.”
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The Alliance Our Board 2025 The Alliance’s impact begins with its people. Our board and staff bring brings deep expertise, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to Black economic equity. Working across programs, policy, membership, and partnerships, they ensure that our members are supported, our initiatives are executed with excellence, and our voice remains strong in the field. Their collective leadership fuels the momentum of this movement and strengthens the communities we serve.
Donna Gambrell Chair
Watchen Bruce Vice Chair
Hilda Kennedy Board Member
Gene Gelgelu Board Member
Ron Brooks Board Member
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2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Vandell Hampton, Jr., Secretary
Marshall Crawford Board Member
Tate Hill Board Member
Paul Jones Treasurer
Meet the Driving Force Behind the Alliance Our Staff 2025
Lenwood V. Long, Sr. Chief Executive Officer
Amber Banks President
Awamary Lowe-Khan, Chief Financial Officer
Chavelle Sangokoya Sr. Vice President, Programs & Initiatives
Erica L. King, Sr. Vice President, Economic Development and Lending
Ryan Gremillion Senior Vice President, Policy & Research
Eleanor Reid Vice President, Development
Janice Dsouza Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Justin Minott Vice President, Membership Services
Angela Milton Director, Membership Services
Charmaine Grafton Human Resources Director & Office Manager
Trevor Thompson Director, Environment & Climate
Germaine McIver-Cherry Sr. Program Director
Laudz Jean-Jacques Sr. Program Director
Somala Dibby Sr. Program Director
Richard B. Moore Program Director & Consultant
Willie Harrell II, Sr. Senior Accountant
Isis Pierre Development Associate
Iyanna Peoples Marketing & Communications Associate
Dr. Teresa McDonald Sr. Program Director
Nucdalie Cherident Policy & Research Associate
Hilen Flores Executive Assistant 27
A LEGACYof LEADERS HI P
As the founding President & CEO, Lenwood V. Long, Sr. has championed Black-led CDFIs and economic justice for over 30+ years. Under his leadership, The Alliance has grown in influence, funding, and impact. His legacy continues as we move forward, standing on the foundation he built.
Pioneering the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs February 2020: Officially launched the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Accelerated Growth: Expanded membership to 76 organizations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Exceptional Fundraising Achievements: Surpassed initial fundraising targets, raising over $1 million within the first six months. Strategic Grant Distribution: Established a grant system distributing over $1.1 million to members within the first five months.
Championing Economic Equity & Advocacy Driving Economic Justice: Actively combats economic inequality through dedicated community development initiatives. Promoting Fair Housing & Lending: Ensures equitable housing and lending practices. Empowering African American Businesses: Supports sustainable growth and participation of African American-owned businesses. Advocating Inclusive Participation: Fosters equitable representation in both public and private sectors. Expanding Capital Access: Develops investorgenerated funding pools to support homeownership and business growth in African American communities.
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2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
Distinguished Honors Order of the Long Leaf Pine: Recognized by the Governor of North Carolina for outstanding statewide contributions.
Continuing a Legacy of Impact Remains deeply involved in fighting for economic justice, policy advocacy, mentorship, and strategic guidance. ■ Celebrated for groundbreaking initiatives supporting African American small businesses, women entrepreneurs, veterans, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). ■
The Alliance in the Media
The Alliance garnered media coverage across local, regional, and national platforms like news outlets and publications such as Semafor, The Finnoexpert, Marketplace, Jacobin, and Charleston’s Live 5 News, amplifying the voice and impact of Black-led CDFIs nationwide. For the second consecutive year, The Alliance served as a contributor to ForbesBLK, leveraging the national platform to highlight our strategic initiatives, showcase member impact, and address the social and economic forces affecting Black communities. We grew our digital footprint across all social media platforms, increasing visibility and deepening engagement with key audiences. Coverage across these platforms reinforced our leadership in supporting the CDFI Fund, expanding access to capital through the Black Renaissance Fund, advancing affordable housing solutions, and uniting Black CDFI CEOs at our Annual Conference in Charleston. As policy shifts reshaped the economic landscape, these stories reinforced the critical role of Black-led CDFIs of driving equitable capital deployment and community-centered economic growth.
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Five years ago, the Alliance was born from a convening. Today, it stands as a national intermediary with influence, infrastructure, and impact. “Onward” signifies both reflection and resolve. We honor the foundation laid by our founding leaders and the transformative growth of the past five years, and we step boldly into the next chapter of collective action. In a city known for resilience, culture, and resistance, we will convene members, partners, and allies to chart the future of Black-led community finance. The 2026 Annual Conference will focus on deepening institutional capacity, expanding access to affordable capital, strengthening policy influence at the state and federal levels, and accelerating climate and housing justice strategies. It will also elevate the next generation of leadership shaping the future of the CDFI field. 2026 marks an important leadership transition. With Lenwood V. Long, Sr.’s retirement in 2025, President Amber Banks will step into the next era of executive leadership. This transition reflects continuity and evolution, building on a strong foundation while advancing a bold vision for the future.
IN 2026, WE MOVE ONWARD. 2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report
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2025 Alliance Annual Impact Report