The Center for Impact Finance conducts applied research and evaluation that explores how community lenders structure and deliver financial products, manage operations, and contribute to broader community and economic outcomes. Our research helps community lenders, funders, and investors understand and respond to market needs, to help them develop new products and programs, and to inform strategic and business planning. CIF’s practitioner-driven research and evaluation aim to strengthen continuous learning about what works to improve lender offerings and operations and support positive outcomes for communities.
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Advancing Decarbonization in Regulated Multifamily Affordable Housing
August 2023, English
The policy levers contained in this working paper outline a series of steps that can be taken to advance decarbonization today, create sustainable systems change, and climate align housing for our future.
August 2023, English
The policy levers contained in this working paper outline a series of steps that can be taken to advance decarbonization today, create sustainable systems change, and climate align housing for our future.
A Path to Conventional Equity for CDFIs
June 2023, English
In this report designed to serve the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector, authors Charles Tansey and Michael Swack describe a step-by-step blueprint for accessing private equity in Stage One and conventional equity in the public market in Stage Two through participating CDFIs.
June 2023, English
In this report designed to serve the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector, authors Charles Tansey and Michael Swack describe a step-by-step blueprint for accessing private equity in Stage One and conventional equity in the public market in Stage Two through participating CDFIs.
2023 FIR Summary
Climate, Equity, & Social Drivers of Health
June 2023, English
Thie June 15–16, 2023 explored the connections among climate, equity, and the social drivers of health. The overlapping disasters of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, and the climate crisis call for integrated solutions and investments that address the complexity of interconnected burdens on disadvantaged communities.
June 2023, English
Thie June 15–16, 2023 explored the connections among climate, equity, and the social drivers of health. The overlapping disasters of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, and the climate crisis call for integrated solutions and investments that address the complexity of interconnected burdens on disadvantaged communities.
Aligning Investments to Improve Population Health
May 2023, English
In this report, authors Michael Swack, Sarah Boege, and Kevin Barnett discuss the initiative to develop a statewide strategy to address the social determinants of health in New Hampshire.
May 2023, English
In this report, authors Michael Swack, Sarah Boege, and Kevin Barnett discuss the initiative to develop a statewide strategy to address the social determinants of health in New Hampshire.
On The Road Lending Program Evaluation
April 2023, English
In this report, Michael Swack, Jolan Rivera, and Sanjeev Sharma discuss the results of the On The Road Lending program evaluation.
April 2023, English
In this report, Michael Swack, Jolan Rivera, and Sanjeev Sharma discuss the results of the On The Road Lending program evaluation.
A Path to Conventional Equity for CDFIs Working Paper
April 2023, English
In this working paper, authors Charles Tansey and Michael Swack outline a path to conventional equity for CDFIs.
April 2023, English
In this working paper, authors Charles Tansey and Michael Swack outline a path to conventional equity for CDFIs.
2022 FIR Summary
Advancing Clean Energy Equity
June 2022, English
The June 16-17, 2022 FIR focused on advancing clean energy equity and was co-hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Clean energy technologies are better than ever, with costs continuing to decline. Yet the low-income and under-resourced communities – particularly communities of color, Native communities, and other traditionally marginalized populations – that are disproportionately impacted by climate and severe weather-related events lag in clean energy investments.
June 2022, English
The June 16-17, 2022 FIR focused on advancing clean energy equity and was co-hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Clean energy technologies are better than ever, with costs continuing to decline. Yet the low-income and under-resourced communities – particularly communities of color, Native communities, and other traditionally marginalized populations – that are disproportionately impacted by climate and severe weather-related events lag in clean energy investments.
Clean Energy Project Development for Low-Income Communities
February 2022, English
Scaling clean energy in low-income communities through solar and deep efficiency retrofits presents financing challenges, but that is only part of the problem. Drawing on research conducted by the Carsey School’s Center for Impact Finance, this white paper outlines a road map depicting the ecosystem needed to deliver clean energy projects to underserved communities.
February 2022, English
Scaling clean energy in low-income communities through solar and deep efficiency retrofits presents financing challenges, but that is only part of the problem. Drawing on research conducted by the Carsey School’s Center for Impact Finance, this white paper outlines a road map depicting the ecosystem needed to deliver clean energy projects to underserved communities.
