What City First Bank Is All About
City First Bank is not your typical commercial bank. It’s a mission-driven institution laser-focused on economic empowerment and community benefit. This bank exists to support organizations and individuals who often find themselves on the sidelines of traditional commercial finance and banking services. Using finance as a powerful tool, City First Bank drives lasting community development by backing mission-aligned businesses and nonprofits through strategic lending and partnerships. It’s banking with a heart, aiming to build economic strength and resilience, especially in communities that have been historically underinvested.
The Main Benefit: Fueling Community Growth
City First Bank’s impact is clear and measurable. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Over 70% of lending goes directly to mission-focused initiatives.
- Certified B Corp and Public Benefit Corporation, balancing people, planet, and profit.
- Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), serving low- and moderate-income communities.
- Customized financing solutions for businesses, nonprofits, and affordable housing developers.
- Access to over 60,000 ATMs through partnerships with major networks like Citibank, Wells Fargo, and Chase.
- Branches located in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, with 24/7 digital banking convenience.
- A bcorp score of 130.3, reflecting strong commitment to social and environmental performance.
Mission-Driven Banking That Builds Community Resilience
Banking here isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. City First Bank champions affordable housing, nonprofit growth, and small business development in underinvested communities. By closing capital gaps, it fuels lasting impact where it’s needed most. The bank’s mission is safeguarded through mission-aligned investors, partners, certifications, and a legal structure designed to keep its purpose front and center. This mission-lock ensures that every dollar lent or invested supports economic and social opportunity in communities that have been overlooked for far too long.
Customized Financing Solutions for Real Needs
City First Bank offers a range of financing options tailored to the unique needs of its clients. Whether it’s term loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA-guaranteed loan pathways, or green lending through the PACE program, the bank provides strategic financial tools that empower businesses and nonprofits alike. This flexibility allows mission-aligned organizations to grow sustainably and make a tangible difference in their communities. Plus, with digital convenience and a seasoned leadership team, clients get both expertise and ease of access.
Stories That Show the Impact
The true measure of City First Bank’s work is found in the communities it serves. Take the Marshall Heights community in DC’s Ward 7—once an informal settlement, now a place of opportunity thanks to targeted capital. Or the YMCA Anthony Bowen, a historic anchor in the black U Street corridor, supported through strategic financing. Other success stories include Martha’s Table in Barry Farm, Bread for the City in Shaw, and the Thurgood Marshall Academy in Anacostia. These stories aren’t just about buildings or loans—they’re about justice, resilience, and hope.
Project Impact Linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Empowering low- and moderate-income communities through access to capital.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting small businesses and nonprofits to create jobs and economic opportunity.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Focusing on historically underinvested communities and closing capital gaps.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Financing affordable housing and community development projects.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with mission-aligned investors and organizations to maximize impact.
Why It Matters in Today’s Financial Landscape
In a world where banking often feels impersonal and profit-driven, City First Bank stands out by putting community first. It recognizes that banking is a powerful engine for economic strength and resilience—but only if everyone contributes. By focusing on mission-driven lending and partnerships, this bank helps build a more inclusive financial system. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about transformation. And in doing so, City First Bank is proving that finance can be a force for good, fueling sustainable growth and real impact where it matters most.
