OFN Training

Overview

OFN’s new training resources and tools aim to help CDFI practitioners and partners expand the knowledge and skills they need to achieve the greatest impact in the communities they serve.

OFN is currently offering CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry, Climate Lending 101, Financial Management, and Pitch Perfect: Optimizing Your Capitalization Approach. We will continue rolling out additional training offerings throughout 2024, such as workshops on Operationalizing Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (REIA) into Lending Practices, Impact Measurement and Management, and Executive Training for CDFI Board Members.

 


Available Training

How are CDFIs capitalized? Why is capitalization so important to the CDFI business model? Get answers to these questions and more at this 101-level workshop designed to provide a foundational overview of capitalization in the context of CDFIs. We’ll delve into the various types of capital available to CDFIs – what they are, why they matter,  and use cases –  as well as sources for different types of capital. You’ll also get insights into how capitalization supports CDFI operations, financing, and growth. We’ll close out by discussing the common challenges CDFIs face when building and implementing their capitalization strategy.

Training date in 2024: March 18. See the calendar below to learn more.

OFN’s CDFI 101 Orientation builds off our CDFI 101 Toolkit and aims to help participants:

  • Connect more deeply to the CDFI industry and common goals we share
  • Understand what it means to be part of a movement built over the past 50 years
  • Be inspired by the industry’s roots
  • Increase understanding of what CDFIs are, how CDFIs do what they do, why CDFIs exist, what the industry’s impact has been to date, and current trends

Make connections with fellow attendees in an interactive training that includes: 

  • Discussions that dive deeper into the history of the industry, CDFI business model, and current trends and priority topics
  • Facilitated networking
  • Opportunities to hear from early CDFI practitioners and other CDFI leaders

Training dates in 2024: January 24 and 31, March 5, April 30, June 12 and October 21. See the calendar below to learn more.

Interested in climate financing but unsure of where to start? Attend this ½ day, three-hour workshop for a primer on climate financing concepts and to understand the business case for CDFI climate lending at the intersection of climate finance and environmental justice. Through this training, attendees will build their baseline knowledge of the landscape of climate financing opportunities, including a high-level overview of lending products and practices.

During the workshop, attendees will be guided through activities that will help them begin a climate risk assessment of their communities and markets. Through case studies and examples, the workshop will conclude by helping practitioners think through ways in which they can start building a climate program and framework that meets the needs identified in their climate risk assessments.

Please note that this workshop is best suited for practitioners who have not yet developed a climate lending portfolio or are in the early stages of doing so.

Training date in 2024: March 12. See the calendar below to learn more.

Strengthen your leadership and governance through this half-day session that explores how board members can support their respective CDFIs in advancing their missions and achieving strategic goals. Attendees will delve into leading practices in board composition and governance, including fiduciary responsibilities; examine challenges and opportunities facing CDFI leaders; and explore strategies for succession planning and managing change.

This training is only open to CDFI board members. When registering, you will be required to share the name of the CDFI you support.

Please note: For board members seeking foundational knowledge of the industry and/or that are new to CDFIs, we strongly suggest that you also register for our CDFI 101 Orientation.

Training dates in 2024: April 30. See the calendar below to learn more.

Designed for CDFI financial management professionals, this workshop is intended to help practitioners build their CDFI’s organizational resiliency through financial management. This is a hybrid offering, with a full-day, in-person workshop followed by a 90-min virtual learning session six weeks after the initial workshop via Zoom. The registration fee includes both of these components.

During the in-person workshop, attendees will dive into the CAMEL framework, exploring leading practices for monitoring, analyzing, and assessing their CDFIs’ financial health through exercises involving both cases studies and analysis of their own organizations’ financials.

Attendees will also receive access to Excel tools developed by OFN, such as a CAMEL KPI dashboard. The dashboard is an interconnected Excel tool that allows practitioners to leverage the CAMEL framework to identify trends in their CDFI’s financials, make financial projections, and assess performance against key performance indicators. OFN staff facilitators will work with attendees to adapt these concepts, materials, and tools to the needs of their CDFI.

To maximize the workshop experience, participants will need to bring a laptop that can run Microsoft Excel as well as their CDFI’s most recent audited financials from the past three fiscal years. Additional information will be sent one week prior to the in-person workshop.

Approximately six weeks after the in-person workshop, attendees will participate in a 90-min follow-up virtual session to discuss how they’ve adapted the tools and concepts to their CDFI; raise new questions and get support with any challenges they’ve encountered; share feedback on implementation; and engage in peer learning.

Please note that due to demand, this training is only open to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders. If you are interested in this workshop but are not a practitioner at a CDFI or mission-driven lender, please reach out to developmentservices@ofn.org to explore our customized training options.

Training dates in 2024: February 2, March 6, May 1. See the calendar below to learn more.

This half-day, interactive, three-hour workshop is geared towards CDFI practitioners and mission-driven lenders seeking to strengthen and refine their capital raising approach. The workshop will primarily focus on assisting attendees with developing and/or honing a compelling value proposition for various types of investors. Attendees will receive templates, tips, and real-time support to help them build a pitch deck and/or narrative that effectively conveys their organization’s work. Through an interactive exercise, attendees will have opportunities to practice their pitch amidst peers and receive actionable feedback.

The workshop will also cover what to expect when raising capital—from building a data room to the typical components of underwriting and due diligence processes—and include guidance on investor outreach and relationship management. Attendees will leave equipped with new skills and insights to maximize opportunities to successfully raise capital for their respective organizations.

Training dates in 2024: January 31, March 5, March 12. See the calendar below to learn more.


2024 Training Calendar

OFN offers in-person and virtual training opportunities adjacent to OFN events and standalone training outside of OFN events. Please see event registration pages and our calendar of training held outside OFN events for the most up-to-date details on available training and to register.

CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Time: 1pm-4:30pm ET
Location: The Orientation will be held via Zoom. Participants will receive an email with an agenda and the Zoom link from OFN’s Development Services team one week prior to the Orientation.

 

✔ Pitch Perfect: Optimizing Your Capitalization Approach (Pilot)

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

This half-day, interactive, three-hour workshop is geared towards practitioners at CDFIs and mission-driven lenders seeking to strengthen and refine their capital raising approach. This workshop will open by covering what to expect when raising capital, from building a data room to the typical components of underwriting processes, as well as potential questions that may arise during due diligence. The key focus of the workshop will be on assisting attendees with developing and/or honing a compelling value proposition for various types of investors. Attendees will receive templates, tips, and real-time support to help them build a pitch deck and/or narrative that effectively conveys their CDFI’s work.

Through an interactive exercise, attendees will be able to practice their pitch amidst peers and receive actionable feedback. The workshop will conclude by sharing guidance related to investor outreach and relationship management. At the conclusion of the training, attendees should feel equipped with new skills and insights to help them maximize opportunities to successfully raise capital for their CDFI.

Please note that this training is limited to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders.

Registration Fee: $75 for OFN Members; $125 for General/Non-Members.
Time: 9am-12pm CT
Location: Jackson, MS. Stay tuned, more details to come!
Related OFN Event: Southeast Regional Meeting (February 1)
Registration: Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.

 

✔ CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Registration Fee: $150 for OFN Members; $300 for General/Non-Members.
Time: 2pm-5:15pm CT
Location: Jackson, MS. Stay tuned, more details to come!
Related OFN Event: Southeast Regional Meeting (February 1)
Registration: Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.

✔ Financial Management Workshop

Designed for CDFI financial management professionals, this workshop is intended to help practitioners build their CDFI’s organizational resiliency through financial management.

During the in-person workshop, attendees will dive into the CAMEL framework, exploring leading practices for monitoring, analyzing, and assessing their CDFIs’ financial health through exercises involving both cases studies and analysis of their own organizations’ financials.

This hybrid offering includes a full-day, in-person workshop in Jackson, MS, and a 90-min virtual learning session. To maximize the workshop experience, participants will need to bring a laptop that can run Microsoft Excel as well as their CDFI’s most recent audited financials from the past three fiscal years. Additional information will be sent one week prior to the in-person workshop.

Please note that due to demand, this training is limited to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders. If you are interested in this workshop but are not a practitioner at a CDFI or mission-driven lender, please reach out to developmentservices@ofn.org to explore our customized training options.

In-person workshop:

  • Date: February 2, 2024
  • Time: 9am-4:30pm CT
  • Location: Jackson, MS. Stay tuned, more details to come!

Virtual Session:

  • Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
  • Time: 1:30-3pm CT / 2:30-4pm ET.

The registration fee includes both of these components

Registration Fee: $385 for OFN Members; $770 for General/Non-Members.
Related OFN Event: Southeast Regional Meeting (February 1)

 

✔ Pitch Perfect: Optimizing Your Capitalization Approach (Pilot)

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

This half-day, interactive, three-hour workshop is geared towards practitioners at CDFIs and mission-driven lenders seeking to strengthen and refine their capital raising approach. This workshop will open by covering what to expect when raising capital, from building a data room to the typical components of underwriting processes, as well as potential questions that may arise during due diligence. The key focus of the workshop will be on assisting attendees with developing and/or honing a compelling value proposition for various types of investors. Attendees will receive templates, tips, and real-time support to help them build a pitch deck and/or narrative that effectively conveys their CDFI’s work.

Through an interactive exercise, attendees will be able to practice their pitch amidst peers and receive actionable feedback. The workshop will conclude by sharing guidance related to investor outreach and relationship management. At the conclusion of the training, attendees should feel equipped with new skills and insights to help them maximize opportunities to successfully raise capital for their CDFI.

Please note that this training is limited to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders.

Time: 9am-12pm PT
Location: Portland, OR.
Related OFN Event: West Regional Meeting (March 4)

Register Now

✔ CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Time: 2pm-5:15pm PT
Location: Portland, OR.
Related OFN Event: West Regional Meeting (March 4)

Register Now

✔ Financial Management Workshop

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Designed for CDFI financial management professionals, this workshop is intended to help practitioners build their CDFI’s organizational resiliency through financial management.

During the in-person workshop, attendees will dive into the CAMEL framework, exploring leading practices for monitoring, analyzing, and assessing their CDFIs’ financial health through exercises involving both cases studies and analysis of their own organizations’ financials.

To maximize the workshop experience, participants will need to bring a laptop that can run Microsoft Excel as well as their CDFI’s most recent audited financials from the past three fiscal years. Additional information will be sent one week prior to the in-person workshop.

Please note that due to demand, this training is limited to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders. If you are interested in this workshop but are not a practitioner at a CDFI or mission-driven lender, please reach out to developmentservices@ofn.org to explore our customized training options.

Time: 9am-4:30pm PT
Location: Portland, OR. Stay tuned, more details to come!
Related OFN event: West Regional Meeting (March 4)

 

✔ Pitch Perfect: Optimizing Your Capitalization Approach (Pilot)

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

This half-day, interactive, three-hour workshop is geared towards practitioners at CDFIs and mission-driven lenders seeking to strengthen and refine their capital raising approach. This workshop will open by covering what to expect when raising capital, from building a data room to the typical components of underwriting processes, as well as potential questions that may arise during due diligence. The key focus of the workshop will be on assisting attendees with developing and/or honing a compelling value proposition for various types of investors. Attendees will receive templates, tips, and real-time support to help them build a pitch deck and/or narrative that effectively conveys their CDFI’s work.

Through an interactive exercise, attendees will be able to practice their pitch amidst peers and receive actionable feedback. The workshop will conclude by sharing guidance related to investor outreach and relationship management. At the conclusion of the training, attendees should feel equipped with new skills and insights to help them maximize opportunities to successfully raise capital for their CDFI.

Please note that this training is limited to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders.

Time: 9am-12pm ET
Location: Washington, D.C. – Convene Downtown D.C. (600 14th St NW)
Registration: Learn more here

✔ Climate Lending 101

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Interested in climate financing but unsure of where to start? Attend this ½ day, three-hour workshop for a primer on climate financing concepts and to understand the business case for CDFI climate lending at the intersection of climate finance and environmental justice. Through this training, attendees will build their baseline knowledge of the landscape of climate financing opportunities, including a high-level overview of lending products and practices.

During the workshop, attendees will be guided through activities that will help them begin a climate risk assessment of their communities and markets. Through case studies and examples, the workshop will conclude by helping practitioners think through ways in which they can start building a climate program and framework that meets the needs identified in their climate risk assessments.

Please note that this workshop is best suited for practitioners who have not yet developed a climate lending portfolio or are in the early stages of doing so.

Time: 2-5pm ET
Location: Washington, D.C. – Convene Downtown D.C. (600 14th St NW)
Registration: Learn more here

Capitalization 101 (Pilot)

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

How are CDFIs capitalized? Why is capitalization so important to the CDFI business model? Get answers to these questions and more at this 101-level workshop designed to provide a foundational overview of capitalization in the context of CDFIs. We’ll delve into the various types of capital available to CDFIs – what they are, why they matter,  and use cases –  as well as sources for different types of capital. You’ll also get insights into how capitalization supports CDFI operations, financing, and growth. We’ll close out by discussing the common challenges CDFIs face when building and implementing their capitalization strategy.

Time: 2pm-5pm ET
Location: Virtual.
Related OFN event: CONNECT+ Forum (March 19)
Registration:***

  • Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.
  • Fee: $75 for OFN Members; $125 for General/Non-Members. Please note that registration fees for this workshop are substantially subsidized as it is in the pilot phase.

***This training is SOLD OUT. We will offer this training again on April 24, 2024.

Climate Lending 101

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Interested in climate financing but unsure of where to start? Attend this ½ day, three-hour workshop for a primer on climate financing concepts and to understand the business case for CDFI climate lending at the intersection of climate finance and environmental justice. Through this training, attendees will build their baseline knowledge of the landscape of climate financing opportunities, including a high-level overview of lending products and practices.

During the workshop, attendees will be guided through activities that will help them begin a climate risk assessment of their communities and markets. Through case studies and examples, the workshop will conclude by helping practitioners think through ways in which they can start building a climate program and framework that meets the needs identified in their climate risk assessments.

Please note that this workshop is best suited for practitioners who have not yet developed a climate lending portfolio or are in the early stages of doing so.

Time: 2pm-5pm ET
Location: Virtual
Registration: Learn more here.

  • Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.
  • Fee: $125 for OFN Members; $250 for General/Non-Members. Please note that registration fees for this training are substantially subsidized as it is sponsored by the Citi Foundation.

Capitalization 101

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

How are CDFIs capitalized? Why is capitalization so important to the CDFI business model? Get answers to these questions and more at this 101-level workshop designed to provide a foundational overview of capitalization in the context of CDFIs. We’ll delve into the various types of capital available to CDFIs – what they are, why they matter,  and use cases –  as well as sources for different types of capital. You’ll also get insights into how capitalization supports CDFI operations, financing, and growth. We’ll close out by discussing the common challenges CDFIs face when building and implementing their capitalization strategy.

Time: 2pm-5pm ET
Location: Virtual
Registration: Learn more here.

  • Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.
  • Fee: $100 for OFN Members; $200 for General/Non-Members. Please note that registration fees for this training are substantially subsidized as it is sponsored by the Citi Foundation.

✔ CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Time: 9am-12:15pm ET
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Learn more here.

 

Executive Training for CDFI Board Members 

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Time: 1:30-5pm ET
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Learn more here.

Strengthen your leadership and governance through this half-day session that explores how board members can support their respective CDFIs in advancing their missions and achieving strategic goals. Attendees will delve into leading practices in board composition and governance, including fiduciary responsibilities; examine challenges and opportunities facing CDFI leaders; and explore strategies for succession planning and managing change.

Please note: For Board Members new to CDFIs, we highly recommend registering for our CDFI 101 Orientation prior to the Executive Training.   

✔ Financial Management Workshop

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Designed for CDFI financial management professionals, this workshop is intended to help practitioners build their CDFI’s organizational resiliency through financial management.

During the in-person workshop, attendees will dive into the CAMEL framework, exploring leading practices for monitoring, analyzing, and assessing their CDFIs’ financial health through exercises involving both cases studies and analysis of their own organizations’ financials.

To maximize the workshop experience, participants will need to bring a laptop that can run Microsoft Excel as well as their CDFI’s most recent audited financials from the past three fiscal years. Additional information will be sent one week prior to the in-person workshop.

Please note that due to demand, this training is limited to practitioners at OFN members and other mission-driven lenders. If you are interested in this workshop but are not a practitioner at a CDFI or mission-driven lender, please reach out to developmentservices@ofn.org to explore our customized training options.

Time: 9am-4:30pm ET
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Learn more here.

✔ CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Time: 1-4pm ET
Location: Virtual
Registration: Learn more here

✔ CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Time: 2pm-5:15pm CT
Location: Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile — 540 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Related OFN Event: Small Business Finance Forum (June 13-14)
Registration: Stay tuned, registration for the training will open when registration for the related OFN event opens. Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.

Related OFN Event: Midwest Regional Meeting (July 17)

Stay tuned for details!

Related OFN Event: Midwest Regional Meeting (July 17)

Stay tuned for details!

✔ CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry

This training is sponsored by the Citi Foundation. 

Are you new to the CDFI industry or a current practitioner who wants to learn more about the CDFI industry? Join us for this half-day orientation to dive into the evolution of the industry; engage in networking; participate in facilitated discussions on CDFI impact and current trends; and hear from CDFI leaders.

Time: 2pm-5:15pm PT
Location: JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE — 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Related OFN Event: OFN conference (October 21-24)
Registration: Stay tuned, registration for the training will open when registration for the related OFN event opens. Interested participants can either register solely for the training or add-on the training when registering for the related event.

Interested in Custom Virtual or In-Person Trainings?

If you are seeking to host a customized CDFI 101 Orientation, Financial Management Workshop, or other training and have at least 20 attendees, OFN can provide a custom training virtually or in-person.

  • Complete this survey to request a custom seminar. 
  • Pricing will vary based on type of training (in-person or virtual), number of attendees, type of space required for the training (e.g., whether or not OFN would need to find an event space), and other variables. OFN will share estimated pricing for the training once the survey has been submitted and your request has been reviewed. 
  • If you have any questions regarding custom training, please reach out to Sindhu Lakshmanan. 

Toolkit Resources

 

CDFI 101 Toolkit

OFN's CDFI 101 toolkit aims to help practitioners feel better connected to the CDFI industry and the common goals we all share; understand what it means to be a part of the movement built over the past 50 years; and be inspired by the industry’s roots.

Download

Talent Recruitment, Retention & Management

This toolkit aims to assist CDFIs with finding the right people, with the right skills, at the right time for the organization; supporting equitable hiring, retention, and advancement practices; providing insights into staffing trends; and offering actionable examples that make it easy to implement the leading practices shared.

Download

Operationalizing Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (REIA) into Lending Practices

This toolkit was developed to help CDFIs incorporate an explicit focus on racial equity, inclusion, and accessibility into their lending practices. You'll find a guide structured in four sections, each with suggested actions and activities you can undertake individually or as a group.

Download

Related

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