Washington – September 18, 2026 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury has moved forward with fiscal year 2025 and 2026 awards across multiple Community Development Financial Institutions Fund programs, ending more than a year of advocacy by the CDFI industry for the release of the funds.
Opportunity Finance Network credits bipartisan pressure for the award release
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), which represents nearly 500 CDFI members, said the announcement followed sustained lobbying by OFN, the broader CDFI sector, industry partners, and congressional champions from both parties. Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of OFN, said CDFIs form part of America's economic and financial infrastructure, financing small businesses, affordable housing, and community facilities nationwide. "The CDFI Fund has earned broad bipartisan support because it produces measurable economic results in rural, urban, and Native communities alike," Pettigrew said.
CDFIs leverage $8 in private capital for every $1 of public funding
OFN cited an estimated $8-to-$1 ratio of private sector investment attracted by CDFI Fund dollars, arguing the awards extend impact well beyond the initial federal outlay by pulling in additional capital for entrepreneurs, families, and local economies.
Bond Guarantee and Capital Magnet Fund programs remain outstanding for FY2026
OFN said Treasury's announcement did not cover the fiscal year 2026 Bond Guarantee Program, the Capital Magnet Fund program, or the remaining FY2026 programs, and the organization is continuing to push for movement on those allocations. OFN said it will keep members and partners updated as further details on the released awards become available.