Research & Publications
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.
CDFI Research Consortium
The Center for Impact Finance leads and facilitates the CDFI Research Consortium to convene a national network of researchers that collectively shape a learning agenda for the field that promotes evidence that is timely, credible, and responsive to the priorities of community development finance. The consortium defines key research questions; promotes rigorous, credible, and relevant research; increases knowledge in the field; and provides funders, practitioners, and policymakers the information they need to support access to affordable, responsible financial products and services for low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities.
The consortium’s research network comprises nearly 100 researchers from 68 organizations nationwide. Together, they bring diverse perspectives and deep expertise to advance applied research in community finance. The consortium’s advisory board includes leaders from CDFIs, academia, and government. Their guidance shapes the consortium’s strategy and ensures that our work remains relevant to the field.
Additional information about publications will be available soon.