OFN's CDFI Industry Awards Program

OFN honors exceptional leadership, impact, and innovation in the CDFI industry through a variety of prestigious awards. Highlights include the Ned Gramlich Award, Outstanding CDFI Award, and Emerging Growth CDFI Award. These recognitions celebrate both individuals and organizations driving meaningful change and capital in communities underserved by traditional finance.

Nominations are closed as of August 15, 2025. These awards will be presented to winners during the 2025 OFN Conference in Washington, D.C., October 20-23. Review the list below for more details.

OFN Awards List

Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance

OFN established the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance in 2007 in memory of former board member and Federal Reserve Board Governor, Ned Gramlich. We recognize one awardee each year at the OFN Conference. The spirit of the award is to celebrate people of distinction who have produced a body of work that sets them apart within the CDFI industry.

Nominations are closed as of August 15, 2025.

Learn About the Award

Adina Abramowitz wins the Ned Gramlich award posthumously.

Individual Awards

Executive Leadership Award

This award celebrates an outstanding executive leader within a CDFI who has demonstrated exceptional vision, perseverance, and leadership in driving capital to low-income communities.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Past awardees:
Gustavo Lasala – 2024

Inez Long Award for Commitment, Partnership, and Vision

This award recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of Inez Long, exemplifying servant leadership, passion, integrity and steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence and partnership.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Past awardees:
Watchen Harris Bruce – 2025

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes an emerging leader within a CDFI who has shown outstanding dedication and impact early in their career.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Past awardees:
Elissa Sangalli – 2024

Organizational Awards

Adina Abramowitz Impact Award for Organizational Growth and Change

This award celebrates a CDFI that embodies the transformational growth and change principles championed by Adina Abramowitz.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Past awardees:
Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) – 2024

Emerging Growth CDFI Award

This award honors a small or emerging CDFI that has demonstrated exceptional growth and service to its community over the last three years.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Past awardees:
Inclusive Action for the City – 2024

NEW in 2025! Native CDFI Leadership Award

This award recognizes a Native CDFI that has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership within its community while serving as a strong advocate for Native CDFIs.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Outstanding CDFI Award

This award recognizes a CDFI that has gone above and beyond within the last 18 months in serving its communities or driving the CDFI industry forward.

Nominations for this award are closed.

Past awardees:
Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) – 2024

Featured 2024 Awardees

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