Who We Are
The neglect of community development finance in Nigeria as revealed through the study by a representative group of community development associations, other professionals, and the Ford Foundation, led to the establishment of the Community Development Foundation (CDF) as a, non-government development financial intermediary organization in June 1993.
The Community Development Foundation is a development Institution engaged in poverty reduction and economic justice through the provision of institutional capacity building and financial services to Grassroots Development Organizations (GDOs) Community Based Enterprises, Rural Financial Institutions (RFIs) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Nigeria.
The CDF commenced operations in June 1993, and has played prominent roles in micro-finance development initiatives while building capacities of several grassroots institutions in all the geographical zones of Nigeria. It builds on existing local development finance structures and systems in a participatory manner, with emphasis on the principles of self-help, equity, dialogue, and recognition of indigenous and other proven systems. The CDF's involvement in micro-finance development schemes employs the wholesale delivery approach. Essentially, it is this decentralized financial intermediation methodology that allows CDF to reach the critical mass of the poor at their doorsteps.
Our Vision
To be a leading development organization for sustainable livelihood.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower grassroots organizations by providing them with the financial and technical support needed to foster socio-economic development and self-reliance among the poor in Nigeria. We achieve this by building institutional capacities, offering financial services, and promoting sustainable development through participatory approaches that respect local systems and knowledge.
What We Do
CDF adopts a dual approach to development, combining financial services with capacity building and technical assistance. Our financial services include direct lending and loan guarantees aimed at enhancing the credit and enterprise activities of grassroots development organizations, microfinance institutions, and community-based enterprises. In addition to financial support, we offer comprehensive training, advisory services, and research and development programs designed to build the capabilities of our clients and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Objectives of The Foundation
- To provide institutional capacity-building services to enhance the credit and enterprise activities of our clients through a professionalization process
- To provide client organizations with loans and loan guarantees for their credit and enterprise programs and operations.
- To promote linkages between our clients and formal financial institutions
- Research issues relating to micro-enterprise development and finance.
- To provide Training and Human Capital Development Services to Microfinance Institutions
The Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria duly incorporated the Community Development Foundation on March 16, 1998, under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 as a company limited by guarantee with registration number RC. 331414.
Our Impact
Since our inception, CDF has made significant strides in promoting good governance, transparency, and gender equity within Nigeria's development sector. We have successfully disbursed over 800 loans, trained thousands of individuals, and supported numerous organizations across the country. Our work has touched the lives of many, from youth empowerment programs to capacity-building initiatives for Microfinance institutions.
The Board
A Board of Directors comprising Seven (7) members (5 females and 2 males) serves as the policy-making authority of the Foundation. The composition of the board is reflective of the multi-sectoral interests, experience, and integrity needed to steer the affairs of the Foundation. The Board oversees the management led by the Chief Operating Officer and Managers in the implementation of Programs and Policies.
Management
The Chief Operating Officer heads the management team of the Foundation. He is assisted by Two managers who head each of the departments. The departments are: Business Development /Training Services, Advocacy and Research & Finance & Administration
Board Members
CHAIRMAN/MEMBER
DIRECTOR/MEMBER
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DIRECTOR/MEMBER
Service Delivery(Programs)
The Foundation adopts an approach, which combines the provision of financial services as well as technical assistance to savings and credit groups in Nigeria. Therefore, CDF deals directly with the group as an entity that in turn handles the retailing of the credit to members. The group typology ranges between Apex organizations, Community Development Associations, Credit Unions, Non-governmental Organizations, etc. The services of the Foundation can be classified into two broad categories, Financial and Non-Financial viz:
Financial Services
- Direct Lending
- Loan Guarantee
- Institutional Capacity Building
Non-Financial Services
- Clients Training
- Advisory Services/Advocacy
- Research and Development
- Business Development Service
Capacity-Building and Technical Assistance
The Foundation provides services to support the institutional capacity development of grassroots-based institutions that support the rural poor and their communities. A participatory organizational self-capacity assessment initiative (POSCA) is being employed as a capacity-building intervention strategy to strengthen organizational systems, outreach, growth, and sustainability. Other technical support services provided include the provision of business development services, record keeping, operational procedures, and policies for needy clients. These are supported through grants and represent the seed development fund that prepares the ground for the long-term sustainability of the institutions.