CDFI Fund Launches Second Capacity Building Initiative Series for Native CDFIs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 30, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Building upon the success of its first Capacity Building Initiative series for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs), the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) today launched The Leadership Journey II: Continuing Native CDFI Growth and Excellence. The training series is open to a new cohort of Native CDFIs to participate in a comprehensive program of targeted training and technical assistance. The series is provided by NeighborWorks® America with specialized input from the Seven Sisters Community Development Group.

“The additional resources provided through The Leadership Journey series will provide even more Native CDFIs with the specialized assistance needed to strengthen their organizations and serve their communities,” said CDFI Fund Director Donna J. Gambrell. “Participants in the first training series discovered new ways of looking at their institutions and how they can position themselves for growth. I am pleased that we are able to expand this valuable opportunity for Native CDFIs.”

The CDFI Fund has a long history of supporting economic development efforts in Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities (Native Communities). The Leadership Journey II builds upon these efforts by creating a tailored, intensive program that allows Native CDFIs and their leadership to focus on capacity building in the context of the distinct challenges and opportunities present in Native Communities.

Certified Native CDFIs will be invited to apply to participate with a unique cohort of 15 organizations that will collaborate over a two-year period to access training, technical assistance, and executive coaching opportunities. New components to The Leadership Journey II include a formal peer mentoring program and the future development of a virtual resource bank for the CDFI Fund’s website.

Application

The application to participate in The Leadership Journey II cohort is now available online. Complete applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 20, 2013. The first week-long training session will be held in March 2014. Registration costs for the trainings and technical assistance as well as travel and hotel accommodations will be covered by the CDFI Fund.

About the CDFI Fund
The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) was created to promote economic and community development by empowering America’s underserved and distressed communities. As part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the CDFI Fund fosters the creation and increases the capacity of community-based financial intuitions through investments and assistance. Since its creation in 1994, the CDFI Fund has awarded more than $1.8 billion to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) around the country. By increasing funding to CDFIs that specialize in providing affordable credit, the CDFI Fund helps build businesses, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods.

For more information about the CDFI Fund, please view the Fact Sheet or visit the CDFI Fund’s website at www.cdfifund.gov.

About the Capacity Building Initiative
The Capacity Building Initiative was created to help CDFIs improve their ability to deliver financial products and services to economically distressed communities and achieve long-term sustainability. Through training workshops, webinars, market research, customized technical assistance, and informational resources, the Capacity Building Initiative helps CDFIs develop, diversity, and grow. The specialized trainings target important issues that affect CDFIs and the communities they serve.

For more information about the Capacity Building Initiative, please view the Fact Sheet or visit the CDFI Fund’s website at www.cdfifund.gov/cbi.

About NeighborWorks® America
NeighborWorks® America (NeighborWorks®) is a national nonprofit organization chartered by Congress in 1978. Its mission is to create opportunities for Americans to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities. NeighborWorks® has over 22 years of experience providing training and is recognized as the premier provider of training in the affordable housing and community development industry.

About Seven Sisters Community Development Group
Seven Sisters Community Development Group, LLC is a woman- and majority Native American-owned national consulting firm, which offers culturally relevant and innovative strategies, services, and products that create systemic change. Its team of community development experts works with low-wealth and diverse communities across the country, with a particular focus on Native Communities. The team brings a broad range of experience with tribal governments and communities as well as national and local nonprofits, foundations, corporate organizations, and governmental entities.