Earlier this year, the Boston Impact Initiative became a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This milestone reflects our commitment to creating pathways to shared prosperity through economic development in underserved communities—and underscores the work we’re doing right now to bring fair and flexible capital where it’s needed most.
At BII, we’re lending to local, impactful businesses, investing in community-owned real estate, supporting a growing pipeline of impact fund managers, and helping the field of impact investing shift capital and power to build an inclusive future. These efforts are critical to fostering vibrant, locally rooted economies—and we’re proud to contribute to this movement as one of the few Latina-led CDFIs in the country.
CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions rooted in community. They exist to expand economic participation, particularly in places that have long been excluded from traditional financing systems. In many ways, BII has operated with a CDFI mindset from the start: investing in local entrepreneurs, supporting community-owned enterprises, and helping to close persistent gaps in access to capital.
We’ve long believed that how capital flows—and who decides—matters. That’s why our model goes beyond lending. We blend place-based investment with support for the people and systems that sustain healthy, thriving communities. Our work strengthens access to capital, builds skills among fund managers, guides philanthropists and investors, and supports long-term economic resilience.
As we look to the future, BII continues to build on a model that delivers on the promise embedded in our name—to make systemic impact. We do so through three connected strategies:
- Deploying flexible, patient capital to local businesses and organizations, particularly in underinvested neighborhoods, ensuring that economic gains remain rooted in the community.
- Supporting emerging investment leaders who reflect and understand the communities they serve, helping shape a financial system that is more responsive and inclusive.
- Mobilizing values-aligned capital from individuals, families, and institutions who believe in investing for long-term community success.
While the CDFI designation is new, our commitment is not. It reflects over a decade of work—and signals our continued dedication to building local wealth, strengthening community ownership, and creating opportunity.
We’re proud to reach this milestone and deeply grateful for the partners, funders, and changemakers who have been part of our journey. With this designation comes a responsibility—and an opportunity—to continue shaping an economy that works for more people.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Learn more about our model in the Fearlessly Funding Racial Equity report, which outlines practical steps for advancing community-focused capital strategies.
- Partner with us—whether through investment, collaboration, or shared learning.
- Support the field through action by visiting the OFN Policy Action Center to stay informed and advocate for continued federal support for CDFIs.
- Share your story—if a CDFI has made a difference in your community or your work, help amplify that impact by spreading the word.
- Stay connected and help amplify the impact of CDFIs by sharing success stories within your networks and highlighting the value of community-centered finance.
This certification is a proud moment, but more importantly, it reflects the values guiding our daily work. Together, we can continue building a future where every community has the tools—and the capital—to thrive.
