NDFC’s session at the 2023 OFN Conference

Our session on Disability Finance at the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference was a success in large part thanks to Rita German’s excellent moderating. A special thanks to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation for its support. Pictured above from left to right: Andrew Porter (NDFC), Erica Quin-Easter (Genesis Fund), Pam Porter (NDFC), Rita German (JPMorgan Chase), Charlie Hammerman (Disability Opportunity Fund), Emerson Sekins (Northwest Access Fund), Towner French (Cozen O’Connor).

Here is a description of what we covered in the session: People with Disabilities (PWD) comprise over 60 million people in the United States. They are three-times more likely to be underbanked and nearly twice as likely to be turned down for credit than those without a disability. CDFIs want to understand this underserved market better and determine how to serve best. In this session, we highlighted how disability finance aligns with current CDFIs financial services and identified some of the key differences. We covered affordable and supportive housing; home renovations; assistive technology; financial literacy; community facilities; and entrepreneurship. Chances are most CDFIs are already serving people with disabilities. In this session, participants learned how to do so more intentionally and effectively.

Reflections on the 2023 OFN Conference

We are still buzzing with inspiration and pride from the 2023 Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference. Among the many memorable moments, one stands out prominently: when Jonathan Porter took center stage at the plenary session on Tuesday and reflected on the positive impact the CDFI industry, in particular our esteemed member the Northwest Access Fund, has had on his life.

Northwest Access Fund Executive Director Emerson Sekins and his colleagues helped Jonathan finance a special wheelchair that among other things allowed him to elevate himself to eye-level with standing people, so that, for example, he was able to look his bride directly in the eye on his wedding day.

We extend our thanks to the OFN for providing a platform to share these critical narratives, highlighting the human side of financial services. Moreover, we recognize the dedication of organizations like the Northwest Access Fund, working on the ground to transform lives in practical, yet profound ways.

NDFC offering two upcoming trainings in Aug. and Sept. 2023

First, CDFI (Re)Certification will be offered on August 10 from 2:00-3:30pm ET. Presented in conjunction with Friedman Associates, this webinar will break down specific changes to the Certification Application that will require all existing certified CDFIs to recertify. We will also outline proposed changes related to Persons with Disabilities as an Other Target Population.

Register here:CDFI Re(Certification)Meeting Registration – Zoom

Second, Accessible, Affordable Housing Development on September 14 from 1:00-2:30pm ET. This webinar will provide a primer on housing policy for People with Disabilities and provide a wide range of case studies of housing development by NDFC members. Hear from NDFC members Genesis Fund, PATF, Disability Opportunity Fund, and our Government Affairs consultant Towner French.

Accessible, Affordable Housing DevelopmentMeeting Registration – Zoom

NDFC Board Achieves 100% Participation in Donations

We are thrilled to announce that every member of our Board of Directors has generously donated to the National Disability Finance Coalition in the past . This incredible show of support underscores our shared commitment to advancing financial empowerment for people with disabilities.

We are deeply grateful to our Board of Directors for their unwavering dedication to our mission. Their generous contributions will help us continue to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities. We wish to take this opportunity to thank our entire Board individually by name:

Angela Dowell, Chicago Community Loan Fund

Charles D. Hammerman, Disability Opportunity Fund, Board Chair

Roxane Herrera, Upstart

Danny Housley, Shepherd Center

Emerson Sekins, Northwest Access Fund, Board Treasurer

Susan Tachau, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, Board Vice Chair

Greg Maher, Leviticus Fund

We also want to take this opportunity to thank our supporters and partners for their ongoing support. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable financial system that works for everyone.

If you’d like to learn more about our work or make a donation, please visit our website at https://atomic-temporary-186878625.wpcomstaging.com/donate-to-ndfc/. Thank you!

NDFC Receives $75,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase Foundation

The National Disability Finance Coalition has received funding for programming and operational support to increase awareness, capabilities, funding, products, and services by CDFIs to serve people with disabilities (PWD). 

NDFC will utilize the funding from JPMC Foundation for two main priorities:

  • Disability Finance Capacity Building: NDFC will develop and offer a training program to CDFI practitioners and partners in the disability community covering topics such as:
    • Incorporating People with Disabilities into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and Equitable Access Strategies.
    • Disability finance in housing, consumer finance, community facilities, and small business.
    • Data on the disability community as a target market.
    • Forming relationships with organizations serving the disability community.
    • Sources of funding and capital.
  • Operational support: the grant funding will sustain NDFC’s current staffing and activities and continue to build the organization’s resources to expand disability finance. Support from JPMC Foundation will help us continue to offer and expand valued services such as:
    • Peer learning
    • Free 1-1 technical assistance to CDFIs and Disability Services organizations.
    • Congressional outreach on disability finance as part of CDFI Funding.
    • Federal agency outreach on disability finance to recognize PWD as an underserved population.