Our Work
Through applied research, training, and practitioner–driven innovations, the CIF supports stakeholders across geographies and sectors nationwide. We bring together thought leaders and practitioners to develop actionable policies, financing strategies, and tools, while strengthening the capacity of organizations and the field as a whole. Our work reflects a longstanding commitment to collaboration and building systems that deliver lasting solutions to economic, societal, and environmental challenges.
Learn More About Our WorkCourses and Events
CIF offers a variety of courses in community development finance, clean energy finance, solar development, and resilience. Our trainings build practical skills, financial acumen, and capacity to move projects from concept to deployment and strengthen organizational sustainability.
Learn More About Courses and Events
Introduction to Solar Finance
This short, introductory course explores why getting involved in solar lending can be a good business proposition for community-based lenders and reviews the many available options.
Research and 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.
Learn More About Our Research and Publications
Clean Energy Project Development for Low-Income Communities
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 upon CIF’s research, this white paper outlines a road map depicting the ecosystem needed to deliver clean energy projects to underserved communities.
