By Michelle Betton, Writer “Structural racism has always been a pre-existing condition for communities of color.” -Race Forward People in disinvested communities, often communities of color, understand this statement too well. It has rung true for generations. Structural racism affects more than just health; systemic discrimination has negatively impacted every aspect of life for communities […]
Latest Articles
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Racial Inequity – as cause and effect – in the time of COVID-19
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2019 Annual Report Letter: Through Crisis, We Partner with Communities to Build Strength and Sustainability
By Ellis Carr, President & CEO, and Daniel Varner, Board Chair Over the past several weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the world for all of us. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been—and will continue to be—affected by this devastating event. We want to express our deepest gratitude to those who […]
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Capital Impact Partners’ Response to COVID-19
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COVID-19 Response: An Open Letter from CDFI Leaders to Our Supporters
“Those closest to the problem are closest to the solutions.” Bryan Stevenson Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) were first certified by the U.S. Treasury 25 years ago to provide financing in communities left behind by the mainstream financial system. CDFIs have long been “first responders” to many small and growing businesses in communities throughout America […]
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COVID-19 Relief Programs and Resources for Nonprofits
American small businesses and nonprofits are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Paycheck Protection Program is open again to small businesses across the country, including nonprofits. This time, lenders proximate to communities have the opportunity to lend to businesses and organizations that need the funding before it opens up to […]
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Voting Rights Have the Power to Break Down Injustice and Build Places of Opportunity
By Michelle Betton, Writer “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” -President Lyndon B. Johnson when he signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 For communities nationwide, 2020 will be a big […]
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Community Reinvestment Act: Ensuring the Financial Inclusion of Disinvested Communities
By Scott Berman, Director, Policy and Development The civil rights movement sought to end legalized racial discrimination against Black-American individuals and communities. For generations, Black Americans were systematically denied opportunities that their White counterparts experienced, from the ability to buy homes to accessing quality education to equal treatment by the criminal justice system.
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Mission-driven Organizations Continue Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Work for Democracy and Equity (Video)
By Michelle Betton, Writer Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy is one of challenging the systems that keep people from benefitting from the democracy that this country is supposed to provide to all of its citizens. The people for whom he fought were often people of color, people with low-to-moderate incomes, people whose struggle for basic […]
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Centering Equity and Our Civil Rights Roots in 2020 and Beyond