OFN41: Charting Opportunity Next 

November 10, 2025 – 

2,100+ Community Finance Leaders Gather in Washington, D.C.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

From October 20–23, more than 2,100 CDFI practitioners, investors, funders, policymakers, and partners gathered in Washington, D.C., for OFN’s 41st Annual Conference — OFN41 — the nation’s largest convening dedicated to community development finance. 

This year’s theme, Opportunity Next, captured the forward momentum of a movement entering a new wave of growth and impact. Building on more than 40 years of progress, OFN41 brought the industry together to shape what’s next — from data and technology to policy and innovation — and to strengthen the collective mission of ensuring economic opportunity for all. 

Moving the Field Forward

In his opening remarks, OFN President and CEO Harold Pettigrew issued a call to action:

“I believe that confidence and uncertainty are not countervailing points — they must exist simultaneously because the only way to predict the future we want is to create it. History will not only remember that we endured — it will remember what we built. Together, we will write the next chapter of this nation’s story — a story of opportunity renewed, and possibility restored.” 

Throughout the week, attendees explored strategies for strengthening and growing an industry that builds economic opportunity for all. 

Highlights

• National — and international — gathering: Participants from 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United Kingdom attended. 
• Diverse representation across the field: Attendees included more than 400 certified CDFIs, 100 funders and investors, and representatives from 20+ federal, state, and local agencies. We welcomed 700 first-time attendees as well. 
• Mainstage moments that looked ahead: Plenary sessions explored the future of capitalization, the power of advocacy, and the next generation of CDFI talent. Take a look. 
• Major new initiatives announced: OFN + Capital One Strategic Partnership: A $45 million collaboration advancing shared efforts to grow the CDFI industry and expand inclusive economic opportunity — a significant step forward in Capital One’s Community Benefit Plan and in OFN’s vision for the Third Wave of growth and impact. OFN + Focusing Philanthropy Campaign: A new $5 million match to scale opportunity by expanding investments in small business and affordable housing nationwide. 
• Expanded Pre-Conference training offerings: One day of deep dive training, including a Financial Planning Workshop; Capitalization Crash Course; Policy Advocacy 101; and the second year of the CDFI Research Symposium.
• 130+ breakout and networking sessions: Expert-led sessions across 14 tracks, plus nine CDFI-led impact tours. 
• Capitol Hill advocacy: Nearly 90 meetings with members of Congress to highlight how CDFIs drive small business growth, expand affordable housing, and create economic opportunity for all nationwide. 
• Special programming: A screening of Equity & Ownership: Napoleon Wallace and the Reconstruction of Black Wealth honored ongoing efforts to build wealth in communities of color. 
• Celebrating leadership and excellence across the field: Recognitions included the 2025 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance, Congressional Champion Awards, Opportunity Honors, and Vanguard Awards — awarded at our new Opportunity Honors Award Ceremony and Reception.
• Innovation in action: CDFI Innovation Initiative gatherings spotlighted how CDFIs and partners are testing, sharing, and scaling solutions across capitalization, data, and shared service models. CDFI Capital Solutions Accelerator and the Innovation Council connected in person to strengthen relationships and exchange insights, laying the groundwork for the next phase of development and progress of the accelerator’s capitalization solutions in 2026.
• Launch of Career Meets Purpose hub: A new OFN-led digital space to explore CDFI career pathways, access professional development tools, and connect job seekers with opportunities in the industry. 

The energy and ideas shared at OFN41 reflect the momentum of a field stepping into its next chapter. Framed by Opportunity Next, the week’s programming set a bold direction for the industry — one that deepens member value, mobilizes for impact, and innovates for the future. From small business and affordable housing to sustainability and the care economy, the work ahead is grounded in shared purpose and built for lasting resilience. 

See the Recap

Visit the OFN41 recap page for plenary recordings, breakout session materials, photos, and more.

Keep the conversation going! Share your insights from OFN41 on social media using #OFN41 and connect on CDFI Connect. 

And mark your calendars: the next chapter continues at OFN42 — October 20-23— in New Orleans. See what your peers are already excited for in NOLA! 

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Tags: CDFI Leadership, OFN Conference