Recently, Community First Fund was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Membership Award. 

The honor is awarded each year by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank).

It celebrates FHLBank member financial institutions that have implemented or supported impactful, innovative diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or programs in their communities.

Being selected for this award also serves to inform and inspire other financial institutions to enhance their commitments to DE&I work in their communities.

Community First Fund was selected for its community impact across eastern Pennsylvania through its Economic Justice Fund Program.

Throughout its history, Community First Fund has shown a dedication to creating inclusive and vibrant communities that increases economic prosperity for everyone.

In 2020, it created the Economic Justice Fund Program, which is yet a further reflection of its commitment to serving people of color, women, immigrants, and low-income individuals and communities. 

The Economic Justice Fund Program coupled with Community First Fund’s technical assistance programs closes the opportunity gap for small business owners and entrepreneurs to start, grow, and expand their businesses, create jobs, advance economic mobility and increase financial stability in their community.

The program supports diverse business owners whose businesses serve and are located in a disadvantaged community. 

Led by a Latino executive — Daniel Betancourt — as President and CEO since before the turn of the millennium, Community First Fund has been a staple of the region for its diverse communities and businesses. 

Community First Fund was founded more than three decades ago, and is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to provide capital in places where it is not available.

Its overarching goal is to create positive change in the community by providing entrepreneurs, commercial real estate and affordable housing developers, as well as nonprofits with access to loans for projects that generate jobs, create housing opportunities, essential community facilities, and help revitalize communities.

In addition to Community First Fund, FHLBank Pittsburgh also honored Artisans’ Bank and Clear Mountain Bank with its Pillars of the Community Awards.

The awards are presented to member financial institutions that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community development. 

FHLBank Pittsburgh was founded in 1932 and provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions. This includes commercial and savings banks, CDFIs, credit unions and insurance companies throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.