CDFI Research Symposium

Researchers: Doug Warrender (New Hampshire Loan Fund); Kelly Giraud (University of New Hampshire)

Building on a 2006 University of New Hampshire study, this research explores the economic and social benefits of resident-owned manufactured housing cooperatives (ROCs). In these cooperatives, residents collectively acquire and manage the land beneath their homes, giving them control over rent and community governance. The study examines the financial and community outcomes of these communities in comparison to other investor-owned parks, using survey and transaction-level data on home sales. With nearly 20 years of comparative data, the research analyzes trends in home sales, affordability, and social cohesion.

Researchers: Eugenia Vivanco (Raza Development Fund); Brett Theodos (Urban Institute); Jorge González-Hermoso (Urban Institute); Storm Taliaferrow (National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB))

This project examines the size, performance, and service coverage of Latino-led and Latino-serving CDFIs in the U.S. Through a mixed-methods approach, it explores their market presence, contributions to financial inclusion, and opportunities for growth. Findings provide insights on how funders, policymakers, and the CDFI field can support equity and capital access for Latino communities.

Researcher: Emily Sipfle (Sipfle Consulting)

This project examines how CDFIs tailor technical assistance (TA) to meet their clients’ needs, including exploring how CDFIs may or may not target their technical assistance programs based on the gender of recipients. The project includes a landscape analysis to understand common practices and approaches to technical assistance, providing a baseline from which to identify innovative approaches. The research also explores how small business focused CDFIs identify technical assistance, deliver their content, track success, and target specific populations. Finally, the project explores what lessons can be learned from successful technical assistance programs.

Researcher: Dr. Jessica Santos (Leah Zallman Center for Immigrant Health Research, Institute for Community Health)

This project study examines how financial trauma and empowerment affect immigrants’ relationships with financial institutions, focusing on CDFIs. Through interviews with participants in Boston’s Immigrant Economic Recovery Initiative and CDFI leaders, it explores the connection between financial trauma and trust, as well as strategies for promoting immigrant inclusion. Findings provide insights into how CDFIs can redesign their products, strengthen relationships, and define success in terms of wealth-building and inclusion.

Researchers: Dr. Samuel Rosen (Temple University); Dr. Tilan Tang (Wake Forest University)

This project examines how financial awards from the CDFI Fund, which include grants, tax credits, and subsidized financing, impact the growth trajectories and lending behaviors of certified CDFIs. The study aims to distinguish the effects of certification from the receipt of these awards and provide causal evidence to inform future federal policy and funding decisions. The findings will offer insights into how CDFIs connect capital to underserved communities in ways that influence economic outcomes.

Researchers: Daniel J. Quinn, Robb Burroughs, Maddie Thomas (Public Policy Associates)

This project aims to evaluate the capacity, challenges, and opportunities within Michigan’s CDFI ecosystem, particularly among loan funds, to identify actionable policy recommendations and strategies for expanding capital access and community investment. Using a mixed-methods design, the study seeks to strengthen statewide collaboration through the Michigan CDFI Coalition, enhance understanding of return on investment, and guide future growth. Findings will inform the Coalition’s strategy and offer insights to support replication and coalition efforts in other states.

Researcher: Sean Zielenbach (SZ Consulting, LLC)

This study examines the Kensington Lending Partnership (KLP), a collaborative investment strategy of four CDFIs in a historically disinvested Philadelphia neighborhood. The evaluation includes a process component that examines how the CDFIs coordinated their policies and operations, as well as an outcome component that assesses the extent to which these efforts impacted housing quality, business activity, public safety, and health outcomes. Findings will offer lessons that can inform similar CDFI-led revitalization models elsewhere.