Where is Your Organization Now and How Would You Like it to Evolve?
Our team of seasoned experts has a long track record of helping organizations, including Community Development Entities (CDEs), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), community lenders, not for profits and other community development organizations. We understand where they are in their market, where they would like to go in the future and how to develop a forward-looking roadmap to make those goals a reality. We assist with formation of and strategic planning for CDEs, CDFIs and community lenders. We assist at every point in their lifecycle, including:
- Building the foundation and creating the organizational framework
- Assistance with CDE and CDFI Certifications
- Capital raising strategy
- Application writing
- New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) applications
- CDFI FA and TA grant applications
- Other government grant applications
- Community impact planning and tracking
- Ongoing reporting requirements
Building the Foundation and Creating the Organizational Framework
We think that it is this kind of strategic thinking and thoughtful planning that can help organizations make the biggest impact within their communities. We assist clients with formalizing their organizational framework starting with an assessment, then formulating a plan that will build upon the strengths, seek capacity building where needed and include concrete steps to achieve the organization’s short and long-term goals and objectives.
Having a clear understanding of the current operations is an imperative before starting to build. The assessment should include a review of the organization’s service area, products/services, track record, pipeline, community impact data, management capacity and finances. The assessment allows us to mark the starting point and chart the course. The strategic plan serves as the roadmap for how to achieve the organization’s goals and fulfil the organization’s mission statement.
Assistance with CDE and CDFI Certifications
At the outset, any entity seeking to be certified as a CDE or CDFI must submit the relevant Certification Application. It’s a critical step in your journey, and our team has years of experience to help you navigate this process. We can also prepare sub-CDE Certifications in connection with NMTC allocation agreements. We work with organizations to meet certification requirements and establish policies and procedures that will ensure continued compliance.
Capital Raising Strategy
Hand-in-hand with identifying an organization’s short-term and long-term goals and objective needs required to develop a sustainable financial plan. Grants and government funding can be an important component, but often require matching funding sources, private investment commitments and a strategy for long-term financial viability.
NMTC Allocation Applications
During the NMTC application process we work one-on-one with you—considering the organization as a whole. Additionally, we bring a deep understanding of the intent and purpose behind the NMTC application questions—knowledge that helps you craft clear and successful responses balancing passion for the community development work with data that demonstrates effectiveness.
To date, our team has authored applications resulting in more than $1.3 billion of NMTC allocations. Our services go far beyond preparing and drafting applications; we position our clients strategically to secure and manage their NMTC allocations.
We’ve been a major player in Community Development Consulting, New Markets Tax Credits and related capital funding streams for decades. Learn more about our specific strategic financing capabilities:
