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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 now open for multiple awards! Review the list below for nomination deadlines and other details. These awards will be presented to winners during the 2025 OFN Conference in Washington, D.C., October 20-23.

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 open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

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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 are open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

Past awardees:
Gustavo Lasala – 2024

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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

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Rising Star Award

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

Nominations are open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

Past awardees:
Elissa Sangalli – 2024

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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 are open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

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

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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 are open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

Past awardees:
Inclusive Action for the City – 2024

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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 are open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

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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 are open. Apply by Friday, August 15, 2025!

Past awardees:
Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) – 2024

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Featured 2024 Awardees

A man giving a speech at a podium at OFN's 2024 conference.

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