California Coalition for Community Investment
State of California
Challenge
The California Coalition for Community Investment (CCCI) is a statewide coalition of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that are engaged in community-driven lending and provision of technical assistance. CCCI achieved a significant early legislative victory when it spearheaded the passage of a state-level CDFI fund that was enacted in 2022. However, it had no dedicated staff and it operated as a fiscally sponsored project led by a small committee of members. While providing efficiencies, the structure came with significant barriers to growth in member engagement, fundraising, and organizational and programmatic development.
In 2024, CCCI contracted with Community Allies to help them more clearly define their common purpose as articulated by mission, vision, and values statements; align around what they hoped to accomplish for their members; and determine what type of organizational structure would best deliver on those aspirations.
Approach
Community Allies’ approach began with gathering important data about current conditions, opportunities in the field, and the needs of California CDFIs. We assessed CCCI’s financial structures and systems as well as member benefits and communications. We surveyed both member and non-member CDFIs to illuminate their highest needs and what value they sought from a coalition. We interviewed funders, policymakers, and leaders of other states’ CDFI coalitions to understand CCCI’s growth opportunities. We conducted a scan of other California advocacy organizations and national CDFI support organizations to pinpoint CCCI’s unique value. Finally, we conducted two convenings with CCCI membership (one virtual and one in-person) to support them in co-creating CCCI’s revised mission, vision, functions, theory of change, and organizational structure. These sessions were designed to not only elicit input from the group but foster lasting connections between participants.
Results
Community Allies’ engagement with CCCI resulted in a defined path forward, with goals and milestones for becoming independent, staffed, and sustainably funded; governance policies; and clear vision, mission, and functions. These have allowed CCCI to move forward with an ambitious advocacy agenda, elect an expanded and engaged board, and attract new and continued funding. CCCI’s paid membership increased by 50% as a direct result of the in-person covening that Community Allies designed and facilitated because participants understood the organization’s value and felt ownership over their role in the work as well as camaraderie with their peers.
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