2022 Full Coalition Convening

The inaugural gathering of the MN CDFI Coalition brought 80 people representing 28 CDFIs together at Saint John’s University in Collegeville for a day of connection, learning, and imagining the impact and value of this new coalition.Leaders from CDFIs providing capital for nonprofits, small businesses, Native initiatives, single and multi-family housing, and community building shared their priorities, challenges, and goals, The day long convening included time for peer conversations, small group discussions focused on training, peer connections, and advocacy, with deep dives into economic development, affordable housing, and the policy and funding environment for CDFIs. Several priority areas emerged – increasing the visibility of CDFIs in Minnesota; staff training and leadership development; strengthening peer connections among CDFIs;, and developing a collective voice to advocate for equitable economic development and housing policies and funding.