About TCA
A shared home for Tennessee's community lenders.
Tennessee CDFI Alliance is being organized as a Tennessee nonprofit and will seek recognition as a 501(c)(3) organization. It will begin as a coalition: member lenders make their own financing decisions and originate their own loans.
Why now
Why TCA is being formed
Tennessee's CDFIs do vital work, but often on their own — with limited ways to share expertise, speak together on policy, or connect borrowers with the lender best suited to help.
TCA will strengthen CDFIs serving Tennessee through collaboration, policy engagement, professional development, partnerships, shared resources and better connections between borrowers and lenders.
Proposed mission
"Unite and strengthen CDFIs serving Tennessee through collaboration, advocacy, and shared resources to expand access to responsible capital and advance economic opportunity in underserved communities."
Proposed vision
"A Tennessee where every community has access to the capital and partnerships needed to build thriving businesses, affordable homes, and lasting prosperity."
Statewide scope
Three regions, one alliance.
TCA will represent West, Middle and East Tennessee equally, in urban and rural communities alike, across small business, affordable housing, consumer financial needs and community development.
Plain language
What a CDFI is
A Community Development Financial Institution is a lender certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund for its focus on serving low-income and underserved people and places.
CDFIs come in several forms — loan funds, credit unions, banks and venture funds. What they share is a mission: responsible financing paired with support that helps borrowers succeed.
Leadership and governance
The proposed model
Founding leadership
Ron Brooks, President of River City Capital, is organizing TCA and proposes to serve as its founding part-time CEO.
The initial staffing plan includes a full-time Administrative and Membership Coordinator, with contract support where needed. A Nashville office is planned, with hybrid operations and statewide engagement.
Executives and practitioners
Governance and committees are intended to include both executive leaders and the practitioners who do the daily work of lending, so decisions reflect real experience across organizations.
Board composition and governance terms are being developed with founding members and will be shared when approved.