Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are private financial institutions with a mission to provide affordable lending and financial services to low-to-moderate income and disadvantaged communities.
CDFIs and MDIs are critical parts of the banking industry, with a mission to serve communities of color and low- to moderate-income communities across the United States. While many of these institutions are also ABA members, we support the missions of all CDFIs and MDIs and the important work they do to ensure that all communities are receiving the economic opportunities they need and deserve.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are private financial institutions with a mission to provide affordable lending and financial services to low-to-moderate income and disadvantaged communities.
Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) are private financial institutions that serve Black, Latino/Hispanic, Native American and Asian American communities in the United States. The FDIC defines MDIs as institutions that have: 51 percent or more of the voting stock owned by minority individuals, or a majority of the board of directors is minority and the community that the institution serves is predominantly minority.
No. While many MDIs are also CDFIs, and vice versa, MDIs and CDFIs were founded for different historical reasons. Also, CDFI institutions are certified as such by the Department of Treasury. Both CDFIs and MDIs are dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable services to help low-income, low-wealth, and both people and communities join the economic mainstream.
Applications for CDFI certification are submitted to the Department of Treasury’s CDFI Fund for review. Applicants must meet each of the following requirements:
There are a variety of funding sources that are set aside specifically for CDFIs and MDIs.
March 14, 2024
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Conference | February 14, 2024
February 14, 2024 | San Antonio, TX Minority Depository Institution Partnership Summits are designed to bring midsize & regional banks together with MDIs to better serve communities of color, & low- to moderate-income communities across the country.
Recorded Webinar | June 22, 2023
Learn leading practices for cultivating partnerships with Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
Recorded Webinar | August 16, 2021
This webinar will provide an in-depth overview about the new application deadline, program changes, and how the new guidance will affect efforts by certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) or Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) to access up to billion in capital to support low- and moderate-income and minority communities.
Recorded Webinar | April 1, 2021
Explore opportunities to partner with Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These groups have a long history of providing economic investment and resources to financially underserved communities. The webinar features a panel discussion followed by Q&A. It showcases real examples of how investing in these partnerships can spur greater economic mobility in underserved communities.
January 19, 2022
March 27, 2023
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August 11, 2021
October 1, 2020
ABA’s strategic partnership with the National Bankers Association builds on existing membership overlap to more successfully collaborate on a variety of initiatives including: policy coordination, expanding NBA member access to ABA's training and education programs, and enhancing participation in the U.S. Treasury Department's Mentor-Protégé program for MDIs. ABA encourages its member banks to join NBA as associate members.
As the national trade association of the community development bank sector, CDBA’s mission is to educate policy makers, regulators, and legislators on the importance of community development banks and thrifts. Visit the CDBA’s website to learn more.
MinBanc Foundation has distributed professional development grants in excess of $600,000 to further employee education and training opportunities at minority- and women-owned banks since their founding. MinBanc reimburses tuition, certificate and online training, and conference registrations—up to $5,000 per bank, per calendar year. To learn more, visit minbanc.org or call (202) 489-9932.
Provides input to guide ABA staff on the creation of future programming and advocacy issues concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
A monthly forum for bankers to conduct peer-to-peer exchanges on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion topics, challenges, and leading practices.
The Committee assists bankers in finding constructive ways to encourage and promote sound lending and investments in their communities.
Discuss fair lending issues and concerns, discuss regulatory expectations, and address problems banks are facing.
ABA's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Working Group will provide member banks with a forum for discussing the many facets of ESG engagement by banks, with a particular focus on advocacy.
An online discussion group where member banks can engage in peer-to-peer discussion, and find resources to assist them in expanding their ESG efforts in a rapidly changing environment.