NDFC Trailblazer Award

For Expanding Accessibility in Community Development Finance

The National Disability Finance Coalition (“NDFC”) proudly announces the establishment of the NDFC Trailblazer Award. This award will recognize, reward, and celebrate an organization that has made a meaningful contribution to expanding accessibility within the community development finance field. The NDFC Board of Directors will select the 2022 awardee, who will receive a $10,000 stipend and recognition at a ceremony in October 2022 in New York City.

Potential awardees may either self-nominate or be nominated by someone familiar with their work. Eligible nominees for the award are organizations providing financial products and services that benefit people with disabilities. This may include CDFIs and other mission-driven organizations that provide these services.

Nominees will exemplify one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Track record of success offering financial products and services to people with disabilities
  • Incorporating accessibility into diversity, equity, and inclusion for internal and/or external strategies

Awardees may use the $10,000 stipend that comes with the award to further the accessibility commitment of their organization. The funds may be used for internal use or as a pass-through to support current customers or strategic partners.

Please submit nominations by completing the Nominating Form by Friday, September 30, 2022. Please note NDFC Board member organizations are ineligible to apply for the award.

How to Nominate an Organization for the NDFC Trailblazer Award:

The nomination form can be accessed through this online link. The information requested and nomination questions are as follows

Nominee Information:

  • Name of Organization
  • Organization Type (CDFI/Other)
  • Organization Website
  • Address
  • Person submitting the nomination
    • Name
    • Organization
    • Role
    • Email
    • Phone

Nomination Criteria:

  • Explain how the nominee exemplifies one or more of the award criteria:
    • Track record of success offering financial products and services to people with disabilities
    • Incorporating accessibility into diversity, equity, and inclusion for internal and/or external strategies
  • Provide a story to illustrate the nominee’s commitment to accessibility in community development finance. Pictures and/or links may be included.