CFED is a multi-faceted organization. Here are answers to questions we're frequently asked. Additional information is available throughout the About CFED section of this website, as well as in the glossary. If you can't find an answer to your specific question, email us.

What does CFED stand for?

CFED was founded in 1979 as the "Corporation for Enterprise Development." As a nonpartisan group that sought to bring community practitioners, public policymakers, and private partners together, we wanted a name that made people think twice and made it hard to dismiss us as "just another nonprofit." Over time, we've earned recognition and a reputation for finding, testing and helping good economic ideas grow. In short, we've made our name mean something. So, in 2004, on our 25th anniversary, we decided to cease using the complex name and begin doing business simply as CFED.

Who does CFED serve?

CFED works to ensure that every person is a participant in, contributor to and beneficiary of the economy. The people and communities that need economic opportunity the most are generally low-income, low-wealth and financially underserved. It is for these people and communities that we focus the largest share of our work.

Is CFED aligned with any political party?

CFED believes that good ideas and promising strategies come from all parts of the political spectrum. Despite their differing approaches, both Democrats and Republicans—as well as most independent parties—are dedicated to the notion of economic opportunity. CFED actively seeks to bridge philosophical differences to find, test and promote ideas that will help people join the economic mainstream.

What is CFED working on right now?

A sample of our long-term projects include the administration of a fund to research and develop products that expand access to capital in low-income communities; the coordination of a national test of progressively-funded children's savings accounts to impel large-scale public policy; and the expansion of delivery of hands-on entrepreneurial education, starting in the elementary grades. Additional projects include a specific focus on including more minority communities in shaping the asset-building movement; developing a widespread system of products and services to support community-based IDA providers; and refining our research tools—such as the Development Report Card for the States—to be more useful for advocates and policymakers.

Because CFED casts a wide net, there are always likely to be one or two projects in our portfolio that might not seem to "fit." This is an important part of our research and exploration. If something we're working on strikes you as odd, give us a call. We're happy to explain why we think it's a promising idea.

I've heard that CFED makes grants. How does that work? Can anyone apply?

One strategy CFED uses to find and test good ideas is to provide strategic funding to partners who will help us advance a programmatic goal in pursuit of our mission. In general, funds are awarded to community-based nonprofit organizations or networks. Levels, requirements and availability vary from program to program. Over the past several years, CFED has provided grants through our State Microenterprise Systems, our Local Capital Markets Investment Fund, and our SEED Policy & Practice Initiative. See the Apply for Funding section of this website for specific information.

CFED uses so many acronyms it makes my head hurt. What do they all mean?

SEED, IDA, LCMIF, DRC, REAL. . . We know it's a lot to keep track of, so we've provided a glossary on this site to help you out. If a particular acronym is missing, please email us. We'll be happy to answer your question and update the website.

How can I sign up for your mailing list?

Visit the Think section of the website. If you are interested in a specific newsletter, bulletin or publication you can use the shopping cart feature—often the price will be $0—to sign up. In the Act section of the website, you'll find opportunities to sign up for electronic listservs in areas that pique your interest.

How can I become involved in CFED's work?

There are a number of ways, depending upon your time, interest and expertise. You can sign up to receive our publications or electronic communications. You can routinely visit our advocacy center to help keep the economic opportunity agenda in front of policymakers. You can see if your organization could be a partner of CFED's, either applying for funding, testing an idea or lending us your expertise on a specific project. And, you can donate to CFED.

How can I donate to CFED?

Please contact Liz Coit, our Development Director. Because CFED is a nonprofit organization, there are generally tax benefits to individuals who support our work. In addition, CFED welcomes many corporate partners because the work we do fits with their values or will ultimately benefit their industry. Finally, CFED is thankful for the many foundations and philanthropic organizations that support us. We work hard to be conscientious stewards of their investments and strive to achieve maximum impact.