| By Xuan Zhong |

OFN’s EPA Investment to Help Low-Income and Underinvested Communities

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), a leading investment intermediary and network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), received a $2.29 billion investment on April 4 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program, part of EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). This significant investment, designed to finance the clean energy transition in low-income and underinvested communities across the country, marks a critical step in OFN’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis, promoting environmental justice, and increasing access to capital.

Leveraging Public Funds: Initiating Private Investment

The cooperation between EPA and OFN shows us two of the more worthwhile instruments in climate finance. First, this way of investing public funds in intermediaries allows public funds to be leveraged to a greater extent than if they were invested directly in specific clean finance projects, initiating more private investment. Donating to OFN shows how we can relate the public sector to the private sector more effectively.

Prioritizing Community Clean Energy Transformation and Microfinance Investments

Secondly, this investment prioritizes community clean energy transformation and the development of small and microfinance investments. It highlights the current gaps in climate finance promotion, particularly in refining clean financial products to ensure profitability. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between public funds typically used for large-scale industrial projects and the need for funding smaller-scale civil projects, which can demonstrate greater value and reach a broader audience, thereby enhancing public awareness of environmental protection overall.

Collaborating for Climate Goals: OFN and EPA’s Strategic Alliance

The collaboration between OFN and the EPA through the CCIA program signifies a crucial stride towards achieving climate goals and fostering environmental justice. This $2.29 billion investment from the EPA’s $27 billion GGRF demonstrates the power of leveraging public funds through intermediaries like OFN to drive private investment and accelerate the clean energy transition in marginalized communities. By prioritizing community clean energy transformation and supporting small and microfinance investments, this initiative not only addresses climate challenges but also enhances public awareness of environmental protection, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Photo Credit: Opportunity Finance Network