Unlocking Climate Finance: OFN and Kresge Foundation Partner to Drive Innovation

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation's leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Kresge Foundation during Climate Week. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the way climate finance is delivered, ensuring that underserved communities reap the benefits of the new federal investments in sustainable solutions.

Empowering Communities to Thrive in a Greener Future

Bridging the Climate Finance Gap

The partnership between OFN and The Kresge Foundation represents a strategic move to address the pressing issue of climate finance. As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, it has become increasingly clear that innovative financing strategies are crucial to driving sustainable development and empowering marginalized communities. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, OFN and Kresge are poised to spearhead a transformative approach to climate finance, one that prioritizes social impact and environmental justice.

Harnessing Expertise for Impactful Solutions

At the heart of this collaboration is the appointment of Joe Evans, Kresge's Social Investment Officer, as the Senior Executive Fellow for Climate Finance at OFN. Evans, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in climate, social impact, and philanthropic initiatives, will play a pivotal role in shaping OFN's climate strategy. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by low-income and disadvantaged communities will be instrumental in developing solutions that truly address their needs and create lasting change.

Driving Community-Focused Climate Finance

The Senior Executive Fellow position will be a crucial advisory role, guiding OFN in its efforts to mobilize financing that addresses the climate crisis while simultaneously creating opportunities in underserved communities. Evans will work closely with the OFN team to identify and implement innovative approaches that increase the efficiency and impact of the mission-driven climate finance system. By leveraging his expertise, OFN aims to ensure that the benefits of the Justice40 initiative and other federal investments reach the communities that need them most.

Fostering Healthier and Happier Communities

The partnership between OFN and The Kresge Foundation is rooted in a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and equity in cities. Kresge's investment in climate justice aligns perfectly with OFN's program to help low-income residents and business owners save on energy bills, create quality jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience. This holistic approach promises to foster healthier and happier communities, empowering them to thrive in the face of the most severe impacts of climate change.

Strengthening OFN's Leadership in Climate Finance

The fellowship with Joe Evans will further solidify OFN's position as a leader in delivering opportunity in underinvested urban, rural, and Native communities nationwide. By bringing in mission-aligned leaders like Evans, OFN is poised to drive transformative change in the climate finance landscape, ensuring that the benefits of sustainable investments reach the communities that need them the most.