Invested in the South: CDFIs Building Assets, Strengthening Communities
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An Opportunity to Shape Regional Community Finance in the South
Join us for Invested in the South: CDFIs Building Assets, Strengthening Communities, the first-of-its-kind gathering of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), philanthropic partners, financial institutions, and policy leaders from across the South. An initiative of AFN South—a regional collaboration of the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Memphis Asset Funders Network chapters—this convening is hosted by Louisiana Asset Funders Network in partnership with Propeller, a nonprofit organization and business incubator located in New Orleans. By bringing CDFIs, philanthropy, and banking institutions to the same table, this event will catalyze coordinated action on small business capital access, homeownership, affordable housing finance, and CDFI ecosystem strengthening across the South.
Held September 15-16, 2026 in New Orleans, LA, this convening is intentionally designed for CDFIs, philanthropic organizations, and banking institutions that invest in the South and share a focus on asset-building, economic well-being, and community impact. It is built to serve the full CDFI spectrum — from organizations actively pursuing CDFI certification to long-established certified institutions — recognizing that a strong regional ecosystem requires investment at every stage of CDFI development. Through this convening, we hope to leave with a shared regional agenda for CDFI collaboration, stronger relationships and trust among CDFIs, philanthropy, and policy partners, and create a foundation for ongoing peer learning and co-lending collaboration beyond the event.
Why This Convening Matters to You
- Federal funding is shifting. CDFIs need new capital strategies, new partnerships, and each other.
- Demand is growing. Small businesses, housing developers, and low-income households need more from CDFIs than ever.
- New, timely research will be shared to spark innovative thinking and ecosystem building across the region.
- Certification pathways are complex. If you’re an emerging CDFI, this convening will connect you with certified peers and technical support.
- We are stronger together. This is a place for real connections among CDFIs, banking institutions, and funders in the South — moving the region to coordinated action.
What to Expect
Opening Plenary
Keynote conversation setting the regional context — challenges, opportunities, and why this moment matters for the Southern CDFI ecosystem
Thematic Tracks
Deep-dive sessions across relevant content tracks
Peer Learning Circles
Small group discussions with CDFIs facing the same operational challenges — lending, compliance, capital access, housing products
Policy Roundtable
Frank conversation on CDFI Fund reauthorization, federal and state policy environments, and what philanthropy needs to do differently
Regional Sharing
State-by-state update on what’s happening across AR, MS, AL, and LA — real data, real gaps, and opportunities for collaboration
Evening Reception
Dedicated relationship-building time with CDFIs, funders, and partners from across five states
Where to Stay
Our host hotel is The Barnett, one of the most distinctive hotels near the New Orleans French Quarter, where exceptional service meets the vibrant pulse of New Orleans. Click here to explore the hotel and book a reservation.
We are excited to host this one-of-a-kind event, which will provide an opportunity for regional partners to share insights, elevate our collective understanding of the economic status of individuals living in the South, and explore collaborative opportunities to advocate for fair policies and resource allocation as a region. We sincerely hope your members are able to attend and help make this the first of many successful AFN South events.
Registration is currently open. Space is limited.
For more information, please contact Brandon Rapp, LA AFN Program Officer, at brandon@assetfunders.org or Kara Wilkins at kara@assetfunders.org.
Convened by:
