Call to Action: Show Support for CDFIs

On March 14, 2025, an Executive Order (EO) was issued that significantly impacts multiple federal agencies, including the CDFI Fund. CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) are organizations that provide critical financial services to low-income communities and individuals who lack access to traditional financing. 

The Federal CDFI Fund plays a key role in supporting these organizations by providing funds for loans, for securing loans, and for delivering advisory services. Established 30 years ago, the CDFI Fund has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, with 92% of Congressional Districts—equally represented by Republican and Democratic leadership—served by at least one CDFI. 

Among the Impact investments supported by Clean Yield clients are several funds designated as CDFIs, including Calvert Impact Capital, CEI, New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, Oweesta Corporation, Vermont Community Loan Fund, The Flexible Capital Fund, and Cooperative Fund of the Northeast (CFNE).

Read our impact profile on CFNE, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit CDFI that succeeds in making financing more accessible, especially for underserved communities.

Taking Action to Defend CDFIs

In response to the EO, 23 senators signed a letter to the Administration reaffirming their bipartisan commitment to the CDFI Fund. Additionally, we have heard from our CDFI Funds that they are actively engaging with their congressional representatives. Through the CDFI Caucus, they have submitted a letter to the Administration underscoring the Fund’s crucial role in delivering capital to underserved communities.

On April 21, 2025, House Financial Services Ranking Member Maxine Waters, along with 89 other Democratic lawmakers, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging the Administration to exempt the CDFI Fund from the March 14 EO. 

We believe that CDFI Funds are essential to community revitalization and development nationwide.

If you agree, we encourage you to contact your State’s congressional delegation and the Treasury Department to let them know. The CDFI Coalition provides sample emails, and you may wish to reference the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ support letter sent by email to the United States Department of the Treasury. (Please note the CDFI Coalition Sign-On Letter closed May 1, 2025, but you may still contact your State Treasurers and State Representatives.)

If you are a Clean Yield client with any specific questions regarding your impact investments or how the current administration and economic environment are impacting them, please do not hesitate to contact your Portfolio Manager for assistance.