Pennsylvania CDFI Network
The Pennsylvania CDFI Network is a Philadelphia-based public charity and statewide collective of community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Founded in 1997, it builds the capacity and reach of its CDFI members and supports small businesses, particularly those unable to access traditional financing and businesses serving lower-income neighborhoods.
Pennsylvania CDFI Network at a glance
In short: Pennsylvania CDFI Network gave $15.5M across 180 grants in 2025 (avg $86K), mostly in Pennsylvania. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $15,458,446
- +3.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 180
- -75.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $85,880
- +324.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $4,466,187
- +7.1% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Pennsylvania CDFI Network
- Contact
Mailing address: 50 S 16Th Street 17Th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Website: https://pacdfinetwork.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Pennsylvania CDFI Network
Drive Your Business Program
Pennsylvania CDFI Network
Amount
$1,000,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA Grants)
Pennsylvania CDFI Network
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Philadelphia Growth, Resiliency, Independence, Tenacity Fund (PHL GRIT Fund)
Pennsylvania CDFI Network
Amount
$100,000,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Pennsylvania CDFI Network funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Finanta (Formerly Community First F ($7.1M). Together the top 10 received $13.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,319 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,226 grants of 1,319 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Network describes its CDFI and small-business work as statewide across Pennsylvania. Its BASC program is described as reaching all 67 counties. The Network’s 2025 reported grants went entirely to Pennsylvania recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 180 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Pennsylvania CDFI Network gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $10.9M (2022) to $25.0M (2021). In 2025 it made 180 grants totaling $15.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Finanta (Formerly Community First F Lancaster, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $7,124,547 |
| Pidc Community Capital Philadelphia, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $3,457,947 |
| Neigborhood Progress Fund Phila, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $765,447 |
| Neighborhood Community Dev Fund Pittsburgh, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $363,875 |
| Impact Loan Fund Philadelphia, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $334,447 |
| Bridgeway Capital Pittsburgh, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $329,520 |
| Enrepreneur Works Philadelphia, PA | T/a & Loan Cap Alloc | $242,947 |
| The Enterprise Center Dev Fund Philadelphia, PA | Technical Assistance | $198,225 |
| Vestedin Philadelpjhia, PA | Technical Assistance | $180,447 |
| Women's Opportunities Resource Cent Philadelphia, PA | Technical Assistance | $180,447 |
Ready to take the next step with Pennsylvania CDFI Network?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,466,187 | $19,573,243 | $16,690,854 | $15,458,446 | 180 | $51,734 |
| 2024 | $4,170,892 | $18,368,769 | $17,800,737 | $14,989,189 | 740 | $163,628 |
| 2023 | $1,280,928 | $17,412,624 | $17,336,132 | $14,359,723 | 12 | $215,381 |
| 2022 | $12,721,223 | $13,231,920 | $13,145,735 | $10,871,292 | 370 | $6,891 |
| 2021 | $1,079,677 | $287,126,675 | $286,344,995 | $25,000,000 | 17 | $16,914 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Network’s stated mission is to provide information, advice, and necessary financial assistance to CDFIs, small businesses, and microenterprises, and to educate the public about their benefits. It also seeks to expand its members’ capacity to serve people and places across Pennsylvania.
The Network’s grantmaking supports Pennsylvania CDFIs and related community-development organizations. In 2025, the largest listed award went to Community First Fund, whose stated mission is to promote community and work-based economic development through loans and technical assistance for projects benefiting low-income people in south-central Pennsylvania. Other 2025 recipients include Neighborhood Community Development Fund, which says it supports small businesses and community-development projects in low- and moderate-income Pittsburgh neighborhoods; Impact Loan Fund, which says it assists small businesses in eastern Philadelphia; and Bridgeway Capital, which says it invests capital and builds capacity to grow businesses and revitalize underserved areas.
The Network also administers programs that pair capital with business support. Its Business Assistance Service Centers (BASCs) offer services such as business assessments, counseling, planning support, financial management, loan readiness assistance, and training. The Network says its BASC program serves all 67 Pennsylvania counties and offers eligible participants access to microgrant funding of up to $20,000, as well as loan capital.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Network reported 180 grants totaling $15,458,446. The median grant was $10,000; awards ranged from $6,000 to $7,124,547. All reported grant dollars went to Pennsylvania recipients. The largest awards included $7,124,547 to Community First Fund, $3,457,947 to PIDC Community Capital, $765,447 to Neighborhood Progress Fund, $363,875 to Neighborhood Community Development Fund, and $334,447 to Impact Loan Fund. Many of the listed awards were for technical assistance and loan-capital allocation.
The Network also administers programs for small businesses. Its Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) program is described as supporting businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including through assistance delivered with partner organizations. The program’s stated ownership criterion is at least 51% ownership and control of management and daily business operations. Priorities include businesses in low-income census tracts, certain municipalities, and designated commercial and Main Street areas. The Network describes the BASC and microgrant program as statewide support delivered with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
For the HDBA application process, the program materials describe online applications followed by eligibility review and prioritization. Selected applicants may receive information requests from the Community Reinvestment Fund, USA processing team and have 10 business days to provide requested information. The stated March-to-May information-request period is based on the 2024 cycle and is past; submitting an application does not guarantee eligibility or funding.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Varsovia Fernandez as CEO. It also lists Daniel Betancourt as chairman, James Burnett as vice chairman, Leslie Benoliel as treasurer, and directors David Kahley and Evelyn Smalls. The filing additionally lists Chris Hudock and Michele Clapper as secretary, Ian Lawrence as assistant secretary, and Mark Masterson as second vice.
Pennsylvania CDFI Network is led by Varsovia Fernandez, CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 10 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Varsovia Fernandez
CEO
Executive Di → CEO, 2023
On filings since 2021
45 hrs/week
$165K (2022) → $216K (2025)
Daniel Betancourt
Chairman
Chair → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Kahley
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Evelyn Smalls
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Hudock
Secretary
Assistant Se → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Burnett
Vice Chairman
First Vice C → Vice Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leslie Benoliel
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Masterson
Second Vice
Secretary → Second Vice, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michele Clapper
Secretary
Director → Assistant Se, 2024
Assistant Se → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ian Lawrence
Assistant Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Reco Owens (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Lynne Cutler (2021) — Second Vice
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $216K, to Varsovia Fernandez (CEO).
Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania CDFI Network
How much does Pennsylvania CDFI Network give each year?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network gave $15.5M across 180 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $15.0M across 740 grants.
What is Pennsylvania CDFI Network's typical grant size?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $85,880, across 180 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Pennsylvania CDFI Network give grants?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (83 grants), Pittsburgh, PA (20 grants), Harrisburg, PA (7 grants) and Allentown, PA (6 grants).
Does Pennsylvania CDFI Network give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 180 grants with a stated purpose on Pennsylvania CDFI Network's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Covid Relief Grant" (162 grants), "Technical Assistance" (10 grants) and "T/a & Loan Cap Alloc" (8 grants).
Who are Pennsylvania CDFI Network's largest grantees?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network's largest 2025 grantees include Finanta (Formerly Community First F ($7,124,547), Pidc Community Capital ($3,457,947) and Neigborhood Progress Fund ($765,447), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 73% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Pennsylvania CDFI Network?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network reported $4.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $19.6M.
What does Pennsylvania CDFI Network fund?
The Network’s stated mission is to provide information, advice, and necessary financial assistance to CDFIs, small businesses, and microenterprises, and to educate the public about their benefits. It also seeks to expand its members’ capacity to serve people and places across Pennsylvania. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Pennsylvania CDFI Network?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check pacdfinetwork.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Pennsylvania CDFI Network's EIN?
Pennsylvania CDFI Network's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-2920364. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 9, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 8, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Pennsylvania CDFI Network's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Foundation supports economic mobility and other community needs through grants to nonprofits, including workforce development, direct services, and initiatives addressing urgent regional challenges. In 2024, its median grant was $25,500, and its primary service area is Greater Philadelphia; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$704.6M
Grants
715
Total Given
$39.1M
Opportunity Finance Network
Washington, DC
Opportunity Finance Network provides grants and financing to member CDFIs serving low-income and other underserved communities, including rural, urban, and Native communities across the U.S. Its grants typically range from $125,000 to $250,000. The Finance Justice Fund requires applicants to be OFN members and apply for financing; grants may be available to members approved for loans, but are not guaranteed.
Assets
$2.7B
Grants
19
Total Given
$2.9M
Wells Fargo Regional Community
Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Regional Community funded community development, housing, and access-to-capital organizations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; its 2020 giving averaged about $11,600 per grant, with several awards of $10,000. It has wound down and stopped grantmaking, and it accepted requests only from preselected organizations—not unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.9M
Grants
47
Total Given
$545K
The Barra Foundation Inc
Philadelphia, PA
The Barra Foundation funds early-stage, innovative projects in arts and culture, education, health, and human services that aim to strengthen communities, especially in Greater Philadelphia’s five counties. Its grants vary widely: in 2024 they ranged from $500 to $305,000, with a median of $11,000. Nonprofits can submit Catalyst Fund letters of inquiry online on a rolling basis; no formal deadlines are listed.
Assets
$94.8M
Grants
85
Total Given
$4.0M
WSFS Cares Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The WSFS CARES Foundation funds qualified nonprofits working in community investment, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and economic empowerment, education and leadership, and services for people in need. It gives in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey; 2024 awards ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests through its grant and sponsorship portal; the 2024 filing says there is no prescribed application form or required materials.
Assets
$12.3M
Grants
323
Total Given
$2.7M
Lancaster County Community Foundation
Lancaster, PA
The Lancaster County Community Foundation funds community-benefit organizations and programs across a range of areas that benefit Lancaster County residents, with some specific funds also serving Cumberland County or municipalities. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,020 to $1,050,000, with a median of $18,695. Its general grant applications are closed and expected to reopen in March 2027; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$184.6M
Grants
373
Total Given
$14.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Pennsylvania CDFI Network funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/pennsylvania-cdfi-network-morg_6b249a2cb6564ac2b96fd566de00071d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_232920364_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Pennsylvania CDFI Network funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/pennsylvania-cdfi-network-morg_6b249a2cb6564ac2b96fd566de00071d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Pennsylvania CDFI Network's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Pennsylvania CDFI Network down — hundreds of funders to go?