In October, I had the opportunity to attend the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference, where more than 2,000 practitioners, advocates, and community lenders came together with a shared mission: strengthening the work of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). With over 400 CDFIs represented and OFN stewarding roughly $1 billion in investments across the network, the conference highlighted both the scale and the significance of this field.
CDFIs are often the backbone for historically underinvested communities where traditional financing falls short. They play a critical role in expanding opportunity by investing back into their communities —from supporting small businesses, financing childcare and health facilities, and increasing access to affordable housing, just to name a few.
I attended this year with a clear intention of focusing on connections with CDFIs in the homeownership space. Our partnerships with CDFIs help strengthen their homebuyer technical assistance programs, equipping borrowers with the education and tools needed to achieve and sustain successful homeownership. This conference was a perfect opportunity to listen and learn from those doing this work on the ground every day.
Support for CDFIs is Critical to Protect Funding
One of the narratives that remained strong throughout the conference was that sustained, bipartisan support is essential to protect CDFI funding and ensure that these organizations can continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
At a time when CDFI funding has been threatened, and housing needs continue to grow, the protection of these resources has never been more important.
Reimagining Homeownership Through the CDFI Lens
One of the most meaningful sessions for me was From Dream to Doorstep: Reimagining Homeownership Through the CDFI Lens. During this discussion, we heard from one of our partners, CHN Housing Partners who shared their innovative mortgage models directly address barriers like limited savings, high interest rates, and low credit scores.
I found myself inspired by their mortgage products which are designed to meet borrowers where they are, helping bridge structural gaps that often prevent families from entering the homeownership pipeline.
Innovative Capital Models
In another powerful session, Bridging the Appraisal Gap: Financing Solutions for Legacy Communities, Habitat for Humanity affiliates shared the important work they’re doing in legacy neighborhoods facing population decline and aging housing stock. Their work leverages appraisal gap financing to reinvest in communities that have long been overlooked, laying the groundwork for long-term neighborhood stability and rising home values as families begin to move back.
We also learned about Hawaii Community Lending(HCL), Hawaii’s first nonprofit mortgage broker. Their mission to expand access to credit and capital for Native Hawaiians, 29,000 of whom are still waiting for a residential lease award, is both urgent and deeply inspiring.
During this panel, Housing Partnership Network (HPN) shared insights into its Inspire100 program. This program offers up to 100 percent financing, requires only a $1,000 down payment, and does not require mortgage insurance.
Through HPN’s Equitable Homeownership Collaborative, eight CDFIs have come together around a shared goal: expanding homeownership opportunities for underserved communities. This includes financially underserved rural areas, low-wealth renters, and communities and demographic groups that face significant barriers to accessing credit and capital. Their work through the Inspire100 program has already supported over 177 loans across 11 states.
Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award
As part of the OFN Conference, OFN hosted The Opportunity Honors: Award Ceremony and Reception. It was inspiring to hear stories of perseverance, innovation, and impact from across the CDFI field.
I was particularly moved by Donna Gambrell, who received the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. Donna served as the Director of the CDFI Fund from 2007 to 2013, helping to double its funding during her tenure. She was also the first African American woman to lead the CDFI Fund. Now, as President and CEO of Appalachian Community Capital, a membership network with more than 40 members, she supports more than 20,000 businesses in the region.
During her speech, she shared a sentiment that resonated deeply with the entire room and our shared commitment to building equitable pathways to homeownership.
“Local communities know what they need to best support themselves, and CDFIs put the power back in their hands.”
Explore how Framework partners with CDFIs to support homeowners before and after closing with homeownership education and post-purchase solutions that expand access to strengthen homeownership outcomes.
