FREE!
FY 2025 FA Supplemental Application Decision Guide
Assess Your Need to Update Your CDFI or NACA FA Application Based on Recent NOFA Amendments
Start
Getting Started
The team at Friedman Associates created this decision-making aid to help CDFIs determine their next steps to align FA applications with the September 22, 2025 amendments to the CDFI Program and NACA Program Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs). This interactive tool will walk you through a series of targeted questions about your current application, and provide an initial recommendation based on how the changes apply to your specific situation. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete. Remember, updating your application is optional, and not recommended in every case. But for CDFIs with certain characteristics - particularly those with OTP African American, Hispanic, Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese Target Market(s) careful consideration is warranted, given the current Administration's priorities as reflected in the amended NOFAs. Please reach out to Nadia at ndoubiany@friedmanassociates.net with any questions or to discuss options for assistance from the Friedman Associates team!
Next
TIP - it may be helpful to have a copy of your submitted application nearby for reference as you answer these questions
Question 1:
CDFI or NACA Base-FA
CDFI or NACA TA
Which type of CDFI or NACA FATA Application did you submit in this round?
Housing Production ONLY
(without a Base-FA request)
Question 2:
No
Have you received a notification from the CDFI Fund informing you that you have advanced to Step 4 of the FA Scoring & Evaluation Process?
Yes
Question 3:
No
Did you include Climate-Focused Financing anywhere in your FA application? (e.g., current products, proposed activities, or proposed new products if you selected FA Objective 1-4: "New Financial Products")
Yes
Question 4:
No
Did you select FA Objective 1-7 (New Targeted Populations) with any of the now-excluded racial/ethnic constituencies? (African American, Hispanic, Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese)
Yes
Question 5:
In your financial projections, are you relying on financing activity to now-excluded racial/ethnic constituencies to meet your anticipated "Performance Goals & Measures" (PG&Ms)? (African American, Hispanic, Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese)
No
Yes
Question 6:
Do your approved Target Market(s) include any of the following now-excluded "Other Targeted Populations" (OTPs): (African American, Hispanic,Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese)
No
Yes
Question 7:
No
In your response to Narrative Q2 (extent of economic distress of the communities and populations you serve), did you rely heavily on any racial/ethnic or gender-related demographic data to demonstrate "deeper economic distress"?
Yes
Question 8:
No
Did you submit an HFFI-FA supplemental request with any potential borrowers in your pipeline that may include ultra-processed foods, or foods with artificial additives, dyes, or chemicals?
Yes
USDA DIETARY GUIDELINES
Not Eligible
You cannot update your application at this time.
Only some Applicants have the option to update their applications. In the following situations, applications will automatically proceed through the review process as originally submitted:
Applicants that did not advance to Step 4 of the scoring process are not able to submit supplemental applications. If you did not advance to Step 4 and would like to discuss the debrief materials you receive from the CDFI Fund, please contact Nadia at ndoubiany@friedmanassociates.net
Applicants that submitted Technical Assistance (TA) or Housing Production only applications (without a Base-FA request) are not being asked to submit supplemental applications.
Go Back
Done
No Action Needed
Great news! Your application is unaffected by the amendments. You do not need to make any changes, and your application will continue through the scoring and evaluation process as originally submitted. Click "Done" below to wrap up here, and learn how F|A can support your CDFI's growth and sustainability.
Go Back
Done
Updates Recommended
The NOFA amendments likely impact key elements of your application.
Carefully review the affected sections and strongly consider submitting a supplemental application. Contact our team if you need assistance analyzing the impact! Click "Done" below to wrap up here, and learn how F|A can provide support with your supplemental application.
Go Back
Done
Updates Needed!
Your application contains elements that most likely conflict with the amended NOFAs.
Based on your responses, it is very likely that you will need to update your application to remain competitive and compliant with the new requirements through the remaining steps of the scoring and evaluation process.
However, remember that it is not mandatory to make any updates. If you take no action, your application will continue through scoring and evaluation as-is. Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons of this decision. Click "Done" below to learn more!
Go Back
Done
How Can F|A Help?
Time is critical. With deadlines approaching, F|A has your back and will help you get through this as efficiently as possible to ensure your application remains competitive!
Option 1:
For CDFI staff preparing the Supplemental Application, our team has provided a detailed analysis of the amendments to the NOFA, with critical guidance and key recommendations.
FREE Download
Option 2:
If you prefer direct support from our team to prepare and submit the application, we offer the following services:
- Consult on how these changes affect your organization
- Assist with interpreting the amendments in your context
- Help with updating your application, including:
- Re-opening FA draft submissions in the F|A MyFund app to facilitate editing;
- Providing support with re-writing/editing narrative sections;
- Identifying any changes needed in your Beneficiary Snapshot;
- Analyzing projected financing activity feasibility, given the new definition of "Eligible Markets"
- Conducting a full review of your submitted application for any issues in light of the recent amendments;
- Providing support with AMIS entry for your updated application
Contact Nadia to request assistance with your FA updates - ndoubiany@friedmanassociates.net
How Can F|A Support You?
While a supplemental application may not be needed for your current CDFI FA submission, F|A remains committed to your CDFI's long-term success. Our team of dedicated CDFI professionals is ready to help you develop and implement stategies to improve sustainability, performance, and mission impact!
SUSTAINABILITY AND Growth Impact Services
Feasibility Study for New Products/Markets
Strategic Planning
Loan Fund Operations Assessment
Business Continuity Planning
Capitalization Planning
Compliance
Scenario Planning and Financial Forecasting
Board Development
Contact Jason Friedman to learn how we can help your CDFI get to the next level - jasonj@friedmanassociates.net
Loan Fund Operations Assessment
What’s holding your organization back from realizing growth and increased impact? Let us evaluate your loan fund operations against industry standards and best practices. After a deep-dive review of how your loan fund operates on paper and in reality, we'll deliver a detailed ‘gap analysis,’ laying out the improvements necessary to achieve the performance and impacts you aspire to. Not enough? Then our CDFI consultants work with you to frame out an initial 18-month implementation plan.
Learn More
Capitalization Planning
A capitalization plan is a road map to ensure you have the appropriate resources to manage risk and pursue your mission and goals. It provides a rationale for capital requests and places the capital within the context of the CDFI’s operations and organizational sustainability strategy. Click the button below for a summary of the process to develop your plan to: (1) Build strong, resilient programs based on your vision and mission, and (2) Sustain these programs through strategic and collaborative use of resources.
Learn More
Strategic Planning
Does your organization need a roadmap for growth over its next five years? Our skilled facilitators will guide your team through a structured process, defining both where you want to go and how to get there.
Learn More
Strategic Planning
Does your organization need a roadmap for growth over its next five years? Our skilled facilitators will guide your team through a structured process, defining both where you want to go and how to get there.
Learn More
Compliance Assistance
Let F|A serve as your CDFI Compliance Officer. We create your compliance framework and guide you through the reporting requirements.
Learn More
Feasibility & Creation
Take our Introduction to Community Development Finance workshop to provide your team with an overview of the CDFI industry, with a focus on the fundamentals of making mission-based loans, organizational requirements, certification requirements and funding strategies. Next? Together, we'll assess the feasibility of launching a CDFI or co-create a Business Plan to detail the foundations, operations, and direction of your organization, prepare for certification, and cultivate funders.
Learn More
Certification Application
Whether you are an emerging CDFI seeking initial certification or an existing CDFI that will need to recertify, F|A will guide your organization through a process to definitively assure that you'll meet certification requirements. Our Certification Assessment will result in a report card identifying which certification criteria you already meet and which need some work, and provide clear direction on how to fully meet the certification tests. Once you “pass”, our team can prepare your CDFI Certification application with you.
Learn More
Grant Applications
There are three reasons why F|A is the consulting firm of choice for preparing CDFI Fund applications: (1) We are your peers - seasoned CDFI professionals with real life experience in all areas of operations; (2) We created myFund Workbook - a proprietary tool that guides you through the application, ensures clean and cohesive data, and provides insights into your organization's financial health, allowing us to create the most compelling case for your CDFI; and (3) An enviable success rate for our clients!
Learn More
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Transcript
FREE!
FY 2025 FA Supplemental Application Decision Guide
Assess Your Need to Update Your CDFI or NACA FA Application Based on Recent NOFA Amendments
Start
Getting Started
The team at Friedman Associates created this decision-making aid to help CDFIs determine their next steps to align FA applications with the September 22, 2025 amendments to the CDFI Program and NACA Program Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs). This interactive tool will walk you through a series of targeted questions about your current application, and provide an initial recommendation based on how the changes apply to your specific situation. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete. Remember, updating your application is optional, and not recommended in every case. But for CDFIs with certain characteristics - particularly those with OTP African American, Hispanic, Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese Target Market(s) careful consideration is warranted, given the current Administration's priorities as reflected in the amended NOFAs. Please reach out to Nadia at ndoubiany@friedmanassociates.net with any questions or to discuss options for assistance from the Friedman Associates team!
Next
TIP - it may be helpful to have a copy of your submitted application nearby for reference as you answer these questions
Question 1:
CDFI or NACA Base-FA
CDFI or NACA TA
Which type of CDFI or NACA FATA Application did you submit in this round?
Housing Production ONLY
(without a Base-FA request)
Question 2:
No
Have you received a notification from the CDFI Fund informing you that you have advanced to Step 4 of the FA Scoring & Evaluation Process?
Yes
Question 3:
No
Did you include Climate-Focused Financing anywhere in your FA application? (e.g., current products, proposed activities, or proposed new products if you selected FA Objective 1-4: "New Financial Products")
Yes
Question 4:
No
Did you select FA Objective 1-7 (New Targeted Populations) with any of the now-excluded racial/ethnic constituencies? (African American, Hispanic, Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese)
Yes
Question 5:
In your financial projections, are you relying on financing activity to now-excluded racial/ethnic constituencies to meet your anticipated "Performance Goals & Measures" (PG&Ms)? (African American, Hispanic, Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese)
No
Yes
Question 6:
Do your approved Target Market(s) include any of the following now-excluded "Other Targeted Populations" (OTPs): (African American, Hispanic,Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, or Vietnamese)
No
Yes
Question 7:
No
In your response to Narrative Q2 (extent of economic distress of the communities and populations you serve), did you rely heavily on any racial/ethnic or gender-related demographic data to demonstrate "deeper economic distress"?
Yes
Question 8:
No
Did you submit an HFFI-FA supplemental request with any potential borrowers in your pipeline that may include ultra-processed foods, or foods with artificial additives, dyes, or chemicals?
Yes
USDA DIETARY GUIDELINES
Not Eligible
You cannot update your application at this time.
Only some Applicants have the option to update their applications. In the following situations, applications will automatically proceed through the review process as originally submitted:
Applicants that did not advance to Step 4 of the scoring process are not able to submit supplemental applications. If you did not advance to Step 4 and would like to discuss the debrief materials you receive from the CDFI Fund, please contact Nadia at ndoubiany@friedmanassociates.net
Applicants that submitted Technical Assistance (TA) or Housing Production only applications (without a Base-FA request) are not being asked to submit supplemental applications.
Go Back
Done
No Action Needed
Great news! Your application is unaffected by the amendments. You do not need to make any changes, and your application will continue through the scoring and evaluation process as originally submitted. Click "Done" below to wrap up here, and learn how F|A can support your CDFI's growth and sustainability.
Go Back
Done
Updates Recommended
The NOFA amendments likely impact key elements of your application.
Carefully review the affected sections and strongly consider submitting a supplemental application. Contact our team if you need assistance analyzing the impact! Click "Done" below to wrap up here, and learn how F|A can provide support with your supplemental application.
Go Back
Done
Updates Needed!
Your application contains elements that most likely conflict with the amended NOFAs.
Based on your responses, it is very likely that you will need to update your application to remain competitive and compliant with the new requirements through the remaining steps of the scoring and evaluation process.
However, remember that it is not mandatory to make any updates. If you take no action, your application will continue through scoring and evaluation as-is. Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons of this decision. Click "Done" below to learn more!
Go Back
Done
How Can F|A Help?
Time is critical. With deadlines approaching, F|A has your back and will help you get through this as efficiently as possible to ensure your application remains competitive!
Option 1:
For CDFI staff preparing the Supplemental Application, our team has provided a detailed analysis of the amendments to the NOFA, with critical guidance and key recommendations.
FREE Download
Option 2:
If you prefer direct support from our team to prepare and submit the application, we offer the following services:
Contact Nadia to request assistance with your FA updates - ndoubiany@friedmanassociates.net
How Can F|A Support You?
While a supplemental application may not be needed for your current CDFI FA submission, F|A remains committed to your CDFI's long-term success. Our team of dedicated CDFI professionals is ready to help you develop and implement stategies to improve sustainability, performance, and mission impact!
SUSTAINABILITY AND Growth Impact Services
Feasibility Study for New Products/Markets
Strategic Planning
Loan Fund Operations Assessment
Business Continuity Planning
Capitalization Planning
Compliance
Scenario Planning and Financial Forecasting
Board Development
Contact Jason Friedman to learn how we can help your CDFI get to the next level - jasonj@friedmanassociates.net
Loan Fund Operations Assessment
What’s holding your organization back from realizing growth and increased impact? Let us evaluate your loan fund operations against industry standards and best practices. After a deep-dive review of how your loan fund operates on paper and in reality, we'll deliver a detailed ‘gap analysis,’ laying out the improvements necessary to achieve the performance and impacts you aspire to. Not enough? Then our CDFI consultants work with you to frame out an initial 18-month implementation plan.
Learn More
Capitalization Planning
A capitalization plan is a road map to ensure you have the appropriate resources to manage risk and pursue your mission and goals. It provides a rationale for capital requests and places the capital within the context of the CDFI’s operations and organizational sustainability strategy. Click the button below for a summary of the process to develop your plan to: (1) Build strong, resilient programs based on your vision and mission, and (2) Sustain these programs through strategic and collaborative use of resources.
Learn More
Strategic Planning
Does your organization need a roadmap for growth over its next five years? Our skilled facilitators will guide your team through a structured process, defining both where you want to go and how to get there.
Learn More
Strategic Planning
Does your organization need a roadmap for growth over its next five years? Our skilled facilitators will guide your team through a structured process, defining both where you want to go and how to get there.
Learn More
Compliance Assistance
Let F|A serve as your CDFI Compliance Officer. We create your compliance framework and guide you through the reporting requirements.
Learn More
Feasibility & Creation
Take our Introduction to Community Development Finance workshop to provide your team with an overview of the CDFI industry, with a focus on the fundamentals of making mission-based loans, organizational requirements, certification requirements and funding strategies. Next? Together, we'll assess the feasibility of launching a CDFI or co-create a Business Plan to detail the foundations, operations, and direction of your organization, prepare for certification, and cultivate funders.
Learn More
Certification Application
Whether you are an emerging CDFI seeking initial certification or an existing CDFI that will need to recertify, F|A will guide your organization through a process to definitively assure that you'll meet certification requirements. Our Certification Assessment will result in a report card identifying which certification criteria you already meet and which need some work, and provide clear direction on how to fully meet the certification tests. Once you “pass”, our team can prepare your CDFI Certification application with you.
Learn More
Grant Applications
There are three reasons why F|A is the consulting firm of choice for preparing CDFI Fund applications: (1) We are your peers - seasoned CDFI professionals with real life experience in all areas of operations; (2) We created myFund Workbook - a proprietary tool that guides you through the application, ensures clean and cohesive data, and provides insights into your organization's financial health, allowing us to create the most compelling case for your CDFI; and (3) An enviable success rate for our clients!
Learn More