The question isn’t whether investing in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) carries risk. It’s whether we can afford the risk of letting them fail.
As foundations and asset allocators navigate an increasingly volatile economic landscape, I find myself fielding the same question repeatedly: “Should we double down on CDFIs right now, or is this the moment to pull back and protect our…
As Georgia leaders work to expand financial inclusion and community wealth, employee ownership is emerging as one of the most powerful, and underutilized, strategies to get there. Whether through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, or Employee Ownership Trusts, giving workers a stake in the businesses where they work has proven to build wealth, retain jobs, and anchor businesses in their communities. In a state where nearly half of all business owners are nearing retirement, these models also offer timely solutions to preserve small businesses…
Earlier this month, ImpactPHL hosted the sixth iteration of Total Impact Summit, a multi-day convening bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders committed to building a more just and equitable economy in Philadelphia and beyond. Georgia’s impact investing ecosystem was represented at TIS25, and we’ve invited three thought leaders – Anna Cable, Kelsey Russell, and Khaliff Davis – to share their key takeaways and experiences. Their perspectives offer a window into the evolving landscape of impact investing…
It’s a common misconception: the belief that being a responsible trustee means walling-off mission from investment considerations. Many board members question, “Can we really pursue impact without compromising our financial obligations?” The truth is, by unpacking and rethinking what fiduciary duty really means—alongside reworking governance systems—we can discover that the pursuit of both financial returns and mission alignment isn’t just possible; it’s a win-win. Let’s dive in and explore how…
Shifting federal policies and budget priorities could have a profound impact on Georgia’s economy, financial security, and access to essential services. Dramatic reductions to key federal programs and departmental staff reductions targeting employment, social services, and small business funding are likely to negatively impact Georgia as a whole as well as areas of the state already facing economic hardship…
On February 5, 2025, TruFund Financial Services held its Annual Ecosystem Breakfast – bringing together more than 30 key stakeholders from Atlanta’s entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem. A diverse mix of participants – representing traditional banks, CDFIs, quasi-government agencies, business support organizations, and private sector investors – contributed to a lively, generative discussion on the challenges and opportunities…
On January 28, 2025, GSIC hosted an educational webinar “Local Impact Investing, the Next Frontier of Community Leadership” to help Georgia’s community foundations to understand how peers across the country are embracing local impact investing…
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. While significant progress has been made, large portions of Georgia – especially areas beyond Atlanta – continue to be underserved, limiting opportunities for economic growth and financial…
Nearly 30 years ago, Atlanta captured the world’s attention as the city played host to the 1996 Summer Olympics. Last week Mission Investors Exchange (MIE) – one of the country’s leading impact investing networks – announced that Atlanta will host its 2026 biennial conference…
Greetings – I’m thrilled to be writing this as Georgia Social Impact Collaborative’s new Executive Director! It’s been an exciting and busy first few months. For many of you, I’m a new name and face in your impact investing ecosystem.…