CAMEO’s National CDFI Academy is offering a powerful series of trainings this June to strengthen your team’s understanding of the CDFI field from historical roots to certification eligibility requirements. Whether you’re onboarding new staff and board members or preparing for CDFI Certification/Recertification, these courses are timely and essential.
Training 1: CDFI History and Impact
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 10:00am PT
This in-depth session exploring the history and current state of non-traditional lending in the United States. We’ll discuss how these themes influence CDFIs and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). You’ll learn what is a CDFI and why CDFIs are important in our community. This is a perfect opportunity for your new staff and new board members to learn about our impactful industry. You will also gain insights into the CDFI industry today, including the types of work being done, and learn how to define and differentiate CDFIs.
About the instructor:
This course being offered by CAMEO Network’s National CDFI Academy will be presented by Emily Gasner, Chief Program Officer . Emily leads CAMEO’s Impact Fund, which provides lending capital to emerging CDFI microlenders in California. She also leads CAMEO’s robust suite of consulting, training, services, and resources for CDFIs microlenders in California and throughout the country. As the founding CEO and leader for 20 years of Working Solutions CDFI, an award-winning nonprofit CDFI in the San Francisco Bay Area, Emily led all aspects of social impact and investing. Her work resulted in $18MM+ in investments made to 650+ entrepreneurs and thousands of lives changed by providing safe and affordable access to loans and grants which created economic opportunities and local jobs.
Training 2: Understanding the CDFI Certification – Seven Tests
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 10:00am PT
What are the seven certification criteria that a financial institution must meet to become certified as a Community Development Financial Institute (CDFI) when submitting a CDFI Certification Application to the CDFI Fund? Join this session for an in-depth guidance on the seven essential criteria required for financial institutions seeking certification as CDFIs. Developed in collaboration with industry experts and tailored to meet the standards set by the CDFI fund, this course offers a detailed examination of each test, ensuring participants gain a thorough understanding of the certification process. This session is intended for organizations seeking certification for the first time or are currently certified and in need of re-certification.
Training 3: Understand the CDFI Certification Application
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 10:00am PT
This comprehensive course will navigate the revised CDFI Certification Application process, whether you are seeking certification for the first time or are currently certified and in need of re-certification. Gain valuable insights into the revised application, including updated FAQs, important dates, and timelines.
About the Instructor for Training 2 and 3:
This course being offered from CAMEO’s National CDFI Academy will be presented by Donna Fabiani. Donna Fabiani, Founder of Fabiani Advisors LLC, with 30+ years in community development finance, specializes in consulting for CDFIs and stakeholders. She designs and manages capacity-building programs, leads strategic planning, aids CDFI certification, offers fundraising support, and educates about CDFIs. Previously, she directed OFN’s Capacity Building and Research for 14 years, overseeing programs, conferences, forums, and research. Before joining OFN, she spent eight years at the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund, managing research, leading data collection initiative development, and underwriting CDFIs. Donna holds a B.A. from Colby College and a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton.
Special Bundle Offer
Register for any two courses and get the third for free:
All 3 trainings: $100
CDFI History and Impact Only: $50
Understanding the CDFI Certification – Seven Tests Only: $50
Understanding the CDFI Certification Application Only: $ 50
CAMEO Membership
To learn more about CAMEO membership benefits and pricing, please click here. Scholarships are available for organizations that qualify. Please contact Dara Dado at ddado@CAMEOnetwork.org to learn more.
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If you’re interested in other CAMEO Training’s like this, make sure to check out our other training and events using the link’s below!
- 2025 CAMEO Network Summit – May 28 and May 29 in Sacramento
- Overview of Lending Functional Alignment – June 3 at 10AM PT
- AI Essentials: Train-the-Trainer Series to Empower Small Business Growth – June 11 – July 23 at 10AM
- Intake, Application, and Loan Packaging/Pre-Loan Technical Assistance – June 24 at 10AM