CDFI Practitioners Earn Certificates in Community Development Finance

Caroline Valvardi

From April 10-12, OFN joined the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy in leading “Fundamentals of the Opportunity Finance Industry” for 45 CDFI practitioners from around the United States. Hosted at the offices of OFN member Self-Help in Durham, North Carolina, the three-day course covered a wide range of topics, including the history of the industry, growth to improve scale, CAMEL analysis, underwriting, portfolio management, impact measurement and evaluation, public policy, and more.

The class also spent time visiting CDFI-funded sites around Durham, first stopping by Latino Community Credit Union where students learned about the financial institution’s 84,000 members who come from 134 countries, as well as its 99.8 percent loan repayment rate. Next, the class headed to East Durham to see how Self-Help is working to ensure responsible, inclusive development in a changing neighborhood.

Upon completion of the course, each participant went home with a Certificate in Community Development Finance. Congratulations to all! Also, thank you to program sponsor, BB&T, as well as the local businesses who provided our delicious meals for the class!

Learn more about the Fundamentals of the Opportunity Finance Industry program here.

You can also learn about the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy Master’s Degree in Community Development Policy and Practice here.