In 1973, the nation’s first CDFI – ShoreBank – was founded in Chicago by Ronald Grzywinski, Milton Davis, Jim Fletcher, and Mary Houghton with the motto – and rallying cry – “Let’s Change the World.” Fifty years later, CDFIs have grown from an initial proof point in a Chicago neighborhood to an industry that is over 1,300 institutions strong and in every state. During this webinar, you’ll hear from early CDFI leaders as well as OFN leadership on how a movement became the industry we know today. You’ll also get to check out our new CDFI 101 toolkit: over the last few years, CDFIs have experienced tremendous growth, with many new faces and voices entering the industry. As a result, one of the biggest needs we’ve heard from OFN members is for materials to help educate new staff and stakeholders on what CDFIs are, how they do what they do, why they exist, and what kind of impact the industry has had.Our CDFI 101 toolkit aims to meet this need by providing a CDFI 101 guide, history of the CDFI industry, impact infographic, reading list, YouTube playlist, a brief glossary of organizations and annual industry events, and more!