As the community finance field enters a new era—shaped by economic uncertainty, shifting capital flows, and growing calls for accountability—how can CDFIs prepare for what’s ahead? The Kresge Foundation spoke with Harold Pettigrew, the president and CEO of the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) to help answer that question. This article is part of a series highlighting the impact of CDFIs and how the sector is adapting to the current environment. 

MD: CDFIs play a unique role in our financial ecosystem, often serving communities that mainstream banks overlook. Why are CDFIs so critical for advancing economic growth and creating opportunities in underserved communities?

HP: In every corner of America, CDFIs show that impact and financial performance aren’t at odds—they reinforce each other. We address market gaps and go where traditional capital doesn’t: listening first, solving for need, and providing capital to people and financing projects that strengthen families and communities. Whether it’s a small business on Main Street or a housing development in a rural town, CDFIs make investments that build wealth and create opportunities that reach people and communities that need it most. 

MD: CDFIs seem to have broad support in Congress, even when some administrations have looked to reduce funding or support. Is bipartisan support materially different today? What role has OFN played in telling the CDFI story and maintaining that support? 

HP: Bipartisan support for CDFIs remains strong because our work cuts across political divides — we’re about creating jobs, building businesses and revitalizing communities. What’s different today is the urgency and scale of the need, and the growing recognition that CDFIs are essential partners in solving some of our nation’s toughest challenges. OFN and CDFIs tell real stories of impact—stories of people across the country whose lives and livelihoods have changed thanks to the capital provided by CDFIs. Through advocacy, research, and direct engagement with policymakers, we’ve elevated a clear, consistent message: For over 30 years, CDFIs have delivered results addressing market gaps in providing access to capital to communities across the country.  

MD: Beyond federal funding concerns, what are the current challenges and needs CDFIs are facing in their day-to-day efforts to support communities?

HP: CDFIs are navigating a complex economic environment— rising interest rates, tighter capital markets, and growing community needs are stretching our resources like never before. Many CDFIs are being asked to do more with less, while also investing in their own operations to scale effectively and sustainably. OFN is working to develop diverse pools of flexible capital, make deeper investments in talent and technology, and new policy frameworks that support and recognize the unique value CDFIs bring. The demand is clear —  what’s needed now is bold investments to meet the moment and craft new solutions for the future. 

MD: Philanthropies and community development departments of banks and insurance companies have always been crucial partners for CDFIs — how can they best support and invest in CDFIs right now? 

HP: Our partners in philanthropy and financial services have been critical to the success of CDFIs, and now they have a critical opportunity to strengthen the CDFI industry for the future. That means moving beyond transactional grantmaking to long-term, trust-based partnerships. It means offering flexible, risk-tolerant capital that lets CDFIs innovate and expand, and it means investing in the infrastructure — people, systems, data — that helps us operate at scale.

MD: What keeps you optimistic about the future of the CDFI sector? 

HP: What keeps me optimistic is the impact and commitment I see every day, from the entrepreneurs we finance, to the communities we serve, to the CDFI leaders innovating with courage and conviction. The sector is growing, diversifying and deepening its impact. We’re not just responding to the moment — we’re helping define the future of expanded access to finance and financial services. And with every new loan, every new partnership, every life changed, we’re proving that when we expand access to opportunity — we don’t just finance projects, we shape the future of communities across the country.  

Harold Pettigrew is the President and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)