Bite-Size, Right Size: How CDFIs Help Advance Place-Based Impact Investing in Rural and Urban America

Investing in place is a tool that foundations are exploring as a means toward achieving more – and more equitable – local impact. In many cases, place-based investing does not require a complex foundation investment strategy; rather, some foundations are finding success by sticking a toe in impact investing waters and learning by doing. Often, these foundations turn to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) as the right partner to work alongside. CDFIs are mission-aligned, nonprofit partners who can help foundations scale their efforts to support affordable and workforce housing, fresh food financing and community facilities. Participants will hear from three place-based investing practitioners who are working alongside of local CDFIs to creatively deploy philanthropic assets to better address financing gaps and create impact in both rural and urban America – one step, one investment at a time.