Rising Star Award
This award recognizes an emerging leader within a CDFI who has shown outstanding dedication and impact early in their career. The recipient, who has been in the industry for five years or less, has made significant contributions, demonstrating strong potential for future leadership and a deep commitment to their community.

To nominate an individual, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 pm PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Early Career Impact: Demonstrated significant impact in their role within the first five years of their career. 
  • Leadership Potential: Shown strong potential for future leadership within the CDFI sector.
  • Innovation: Contributed innovative ideas or solutions to their organization. 
  • Community Engagement: Actively engaged with and supported the community. 
  • Commitment: Demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission and values of the CDFI sector.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be affiliated with a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.
  • Must be in the industry for five years or less.
  • Must be under the age of 40.
Outstanding CDFI Award
This award recognizes a CDFI that has gone above and beyond within the last 18 months in serving their communities or driving the CDFI industry forward. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional impact, innovation, and leadership, setting a high standard for excellence in the field.

To nominate a CDFI, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 PM PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Impact: Demonstrated significant positive impact on the communities served.
  • Innovation: Implemented innovative solutions to address challenges and drive progress.
  • Leadership: Exemplified strong leadership within the CDFI sector.
  • Industry Contribution: Made notable contributions to advancing the CDFI industry as a whole.
  • Sustainability: Ensured long-term sustainability and resilience of their initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.
Native CDFI Leadership Award
This award recognizes a Native CDFI that has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership in the last 18 months while serving as a strong advocate for Native CDFIs. This CDFI’s impact is felt not only within their community, but throughout the Native CDFI community where their example, voice and perseverance support the mission of Native CDFIs. 

To nominate a Native CDFI, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 PM PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated visionary and strategic leadership with perseverance.
  • Impact: Made significant contributions to the Native CDFI sector and the communities they serve.
  • Innovation: Fostered innovation within their community and industry.
  • Mentorship: Actively strengthened the Native CDFI community by providing guidance and support to other Native CDFIs.
  • Advocacy: Advocated for policies and practices that drive capital to Native communities.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.
Executive Leadership Award
This award celebrates an outstanding executive leader within a CDFI who has demonstrated exceptional vision, perseverance, and leadership in driving capital to low-income communities. The recipient's strategic direction and dedication have significantly advanced their organization's mission and impact.

To nominate a CDFI leader, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 PM PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated visionary and strategic leadership with perseverance.
  • Impact: Made significant contributions to the CDFI sector and the communities served.
  • Innovation: Fostered innovation within their organization.
  • Mentorship: Actively mentored and supported emerging leaders within the CDFI sector.
  • Advocacy: Advocated for policies and practices that drive capital to low-income communities.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.
Emerging Growth CDFI Award
This award honors a small or emerging CDFI that has demonstrated exceptional growth and service to their community over the last three years. The recipient has shown significant development, impactful community engagement, and a strong commitment to advancing economic and social justice in underserved areas.

To nominate a CDFI, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 PM PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Growth: Demonstrated significant growth in size, impact, or reach over the past three years.
  • Potential: Shown strong potential for continued development and future success.
  • Community Engagement: Built strong, trust-based relationships within their community.
  • Innovation: Introduced creative and effective solutions to meet community and industry needs.
  • Commitment: Demonstrated a strong commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.
  • Must have less than $25 million in total assets.
Inez Long Award for Commitment, Partnership and Vision
This award recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of Inez Long, exemplifying servant leadership, passion, integrity and steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence and partnership. Their work reflects a deep dedication to uplifting others, fostering meaningful collaborations and creating lasting impact in the communities they serve. The recipient of this award is a strong champion and advocate, whose vision is helping plant the seeds of the future of the industry, while tending to the needs of today. The recipient of this award will be honored yearly, at the Small Business Finance Forum, an event that Inez helped develop and that continues to nurture the industry she so deeply cared for.

To nominate a CDFI leader, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 PM PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Passionate Leadership: Demonstrated passionate, strategic and nurturing leadership with integrity and heart.
  • Impact: Made significant contributions to the CDFI business lending sector and the communities served
  • Commitment: Is a steadfast advocate and champion for the work of CDFIs
  • Partnerships: Effectively utilized partnerships to further the impact of the CDFI industry.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.
Adina Abramowitz Impact Award for Organizational Growth & Change
This award celebrates a CDFI that embodies the transformational growth and change principles championed by Adina Abramowitz. The recipient has shown exceptional ability to adapt and align its organization with community needs and industry standards, leading to profound and lasting impact. This CDFI has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, organizational self-awareness, market understanding, adaptation, and innovation, ensuring sustainable and equitable development in the communities they serve.

To nominate a CDFI, please fill out the questions below. Nominations are due by Tuesday April 21, at 11:59 PM PT.

Selection Criteria:
  • Transformative Change: Evidence of transformational changes that aligns with Adina’s teaching about organizational growth and development. This includes significant shifts in strategy, operations, governance, or structure that have led to enhanced effectiveness and impact.
  • Reinvention and Alignment: Demonstrated ability to reinvent and realign organizational practices with evolving community needs and industry standards. This includes adapting to new challenges and opportunities while keeping a focus on the organization’s core purpose.
  • Long-term Impact: Clear and measurable long-term impact on the community and the CDFI industry. This includes sustained benefits to the community, improved financial and organizational performance, and contributions to the broader CDFI field.
Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be a current OFN member.
  • Must be able to attend the OFN conference for recognition.
  • Nominations must be peer-nominated by a fellow OFN member.

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