New data from CDFI Friendly America highlights a critical challenge facing Georgia: it remains one of just nine U.S. states labeled a “CDFI Desert,” reflecting a severe shortage of community development financial institution (CDFI) investment in low-to-moderate income communities across the state. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made growing both the amount of CDFI investment and the level of federal funding flowing into the state. However, large portions of Georgia—especially areas beyond Atlanta—continue to be underserved, limiting opportunities for economic growth and financial inclusion.
In Field Insights, Sydney England, Executive Director of the Georgia Social Impact Collaborative (GSIC), dives deep into Georgia’s CDFI landscape. Her analysis offers actionable strategies for driving change and outlines how investors, policymakers, and community leaders can collaborate to build a more equitable capital ecosystem. Now is the time to turn awareness into action and unlock the potential of mission-driven investment across the state.
Many thanks to CDFI Friendly America for answering our data questions and for making this tremendous field-building resource available.
