Career Meets Purpose Hub

Programs and Client Services

Overview

Programs and client services professionals bridge capital and capacity. They deliver technical assistance, strategic guidance, and training to help borrowers and community members succeed — whether preparing for a loan, strengthening operations, or sustaining long-term impact.

Unlike traditional financial institutions that focus primarily on transactions, CDFIs combine capital with education and partnership. Practitioners may coach entrepreneurs to become loan-ready, work alongside borrowers to maximize the impact of financing, and design programs that help individuals, households, and organizations manage financial challenges with confidence.

Certified CDFIs are required by the CDFI Fund to provide development services — structured training, counseling, or technical assistance that strengthens a borrower’s ability to access and use financial products effectively. These services take many forms: one-on-one coaching, group workshops, peer learning, or collaborations with community partners. By offering this blend of financial and programmatic support, CDFIs build trust, expand opportunity, and help ensure long-term borrower success.

A man stands at a podium at the front of a room and presents slides to a group of people seated at tables.
Image courtesy of BBIF, a CDFI based in Florida.

What Do Programs Practitioners Do?

  • Design and facilitate programs. Deliver workshops, training, peer learning sessions, and events that strengthen client and borrower capacity.
  • Create educational resources and tools. Develop guides, curricula, and materials that help clients navigate financial systems and strengthen their organizations.
  • Provide technical assistance and coaching. Offer one-on-one or group advising to prepare clients for capital, strengthen operations, or maximize impact from loans.
  • Develop strategic collaborations. Cultivate relationships with community organizations, anchor institutions, and public/private partners to expand available resources.
  • Manage partnerships with service providers. Identify, vet, and coordinate external consultants or organizations to deliver specialized expertise.
  • Support ecosystem building. Collaborate with nonprofits, small businesses, and community-based organizations to create a stronger, interconnected community development system.
  • Track program impact and build feedback loops. Collect data on participation and outcomes, evaluate effectiveness, and use insights to refine program design and delivery.

Key Skills and Sample Job Titles

Relationship Building

Programs staff build trust with clients and borrowers, often working closely with them over time. Strong relationship skills help foster engagement, encourage honest dialogue, and connect clients to resources that meet their needs.

Professional Development Resources

Practitioner Resource Library

Access a curated library of tools and resources for programs and TA practitioners, including:

  • Webinar | Technology & Your Community: Bridging Divides
  • Smarter Support: Digital Tools & Resources Driving TA Impact
Find Resources

Trainings

Explore OFN’s growing course catalog of training, designed to help enhance the knowledge and skills you need to make greater impact in your role. Training specifically for programmatic staff includes:

  • Small Business Lending 101
  • Single-Family Housing Lending 101
  • Multifamily Housing Lending 101
  • Equity Lending 101
  • Climate Lending 101
Learn More

Peer Learning

OFN members are invited to join the Programs & Client Services Peer Learning Community. This is a virtual space to network, share information, and problem-solve with peers on an ongoing basis.

Learn More

Faces of the Industry

Ray Pennie headshot
Adriana Fuentes headshot
Mackenzie Hewitt headshot
Ray Pennie headshot
Adriana Fuentes headshot
Mackenzie Hewitt headshot

“I stay engaged knowing each program delivered helps level the playing field and creates lasting opportunities for families and communities.”

— Ray Pennie, Chief of Business Advisory Services, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

“I was drawn to working at a CDFI because, as a Latina, I’ve seen how hard it can be for people in my community to access funding. CDFIs help bridge the gap with traditional banking and provide the guidance and tools people need to start and grow their businesses. I love my role because we can lend to those who might not qualify for a bank loan and also offer credit counseling and business workshops to support their growth.”

— Adriana Fuentes, Vice President of Community Development, ACC Capital

“I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the broader movement of promoting access to capital and advancing change by contributing to resources and delivering programming that supports fellow CDFI practitioners.”

— Mackenzie Hewitt, Associate, Development Services, OFN

“I stay engaged knowing each program delivered helps level the playing field and creates lasting opportunities for families and communities.”

— Ray Pennie, Chief of Business Advisory Services, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

“I was drawn to working at a CDFI because, as a Latina, I’ve seen how hard it can be for people in my community to access funding. CDFIs help bridge the gap with traditional banking and provide the guidance and tools people need to start and grow their businesses. I love my role because we can lend to those who might not qualify for a bank loan and also offer credit counseling and business workshops to support their growth.”

— Adriana Fuentes, Vice President of Community Development, ACC Capital

“I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the broader movement of promoting access to capital and advancing change by contributing to resources and delivering programming that supports fellow CDFI practitioners.”

— Mackenzie Hewitt, Associate, Development Services, OFN