CDFI Certification/Certification of Material Events Deadline Announced for Potential Applicants to the FY 2009
CDFI Program Funding Round

July 28, 2008

Washington, DC -- In preparation for the upcoming FY 2009 CDFI Program funding round, the CDFI Fund is announcing that:

(1) Organizations that are not Certified CDFIs and that intend to apply for Financial Assistance in the FY 2009 CDFI Program funding round must submit a CDFI Certification Application by 5:00pm EST Wednesday, October 1, 2008;

(2) Organizations that are Certified CDFIs and that intend to apply for Financial Assistance and/or Technical Assistance in the FY 2009 CDFI Program funding round must submit a Certification of Material Events form by 5:00pm EST Wednesday, October 1, 2008..

Please note that the FY 2009 CDFI Program Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) has not been published at this time. Please check the CDFI Fund’s website for the latest information regarding the NOFA's availability.

Also, please note that organizations that do not intend to apply for Financial Assistance or intend to apply only for Technical Assistance in the FY 2009 CDFI Program funding round may submit a CDFI Certification Application at any time.

Certification Application Guidance and Materials
Organizations that are interested in applying for CDFI Certification can find guidance and the necessary application materials on the CDFI Fund Certification Web page.

Certification of Material Events Form Guidance and Materials
If an organization is already certified as a CDFI, it must submit a Certification of Material Events form to address any occurrence that affects the organization’s strategic direction, mission, or business operation and, thereby, its status as a CDFI. This form and additional guidance can also be found on the CDFI Fund Certification Web page.

Programmatic Overview
As part of the CDFI Program, the CDFI Fund certifies organizations as community development financial institutions - or CDFIs. These organizations provide financing and related services to communities and populations that lack access to credit, capital and financial services. To become certified, an organization must meet seven criteria including: be a legal entity, have an eligible primary mission, be a financing entity, serve an eligible Target Market, be accountable to the Target Market, provide corresponding Development Services, and not be controlled by a government entity. Among other benefits, CDFI certification allows applicants to apply for Financial Assistance through the CDFI Program.

For more information about CDFI Certification eligibility and the application process, or the CDFI Fund’s programs, please visit the CDFI Fund Certification Web page or contact the CDFI Fund Helpdesk by emailing cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov or by calling (202) 622-6355.

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