Justice Climate Fund

JCF CEO Amir Kirkwood was recently featured in a Modern Farmer article discussing the power of community banks in advancing climate solutions.   Kirkwood underscored how the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator can lead to both greenhouse gas reduction and community benefits like creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to better health outcomes in those communities. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e_pJqzUH

Next up in the #JCFSpotlight: Monique Ward, Director of Government Relations! Monique brings over 15 years of experience in governance management, public affairs, and community development. Working at the local, state, and federal government levels, Monique has helped secure and manage grants and supported climate technology initiatives focusing on climate change and Justice40 communities. #strongertogether

Today’s #JCFSpotlight features Nokware Adesegun, JCF’s Director of CCIA Compliance! Bringing over 25 years of senior leadership experience at higher education and nonprofit institutions, Nokware provides oversight and serves a key role in implementing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund’s post-award grant administration and compliance activities. #strongertogether

Reflecting on a year of milestones and looking ahead to a greener future. Read a message from our CEO, Amir Kirkwood, as we look ahead to 2025.

Event Highlight: JCF CEO Amir Kirkwood spoke at Native CDFI Network, Inc.’s 5th Annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit in Washington, D.C.! Bringing together Native CDFI practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other industry partners, the Summit highlighted ideas and resources that will advance efforts to build economic resilience and sustainability in areas including housing development, home ownership, and clean energy solutions. Learn more about the Summit here: https://lnkd.in/gq8GFaJZ

In Case You Missed It: Shelterforce hosted a webinar titled, “The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: What It Is, How It Will Work, and How Communities Can Truly Benefit,” featuring JCF CCIA Network Coordinator African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. The webinar explored how the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will impact affordable housing residents and community development organizations, and how organizations can take advantage of these opportunities. Watch it here! https://lnkd.in/esd-Wrdf

Today’s #JCFSpotlight features Theresa Bedeau, JCF’s Chief Engagement & Strategy Officer! With expertise in strategic program development, Theresa brings over 20 years of demonstrated experience in building inclusive partnerships and financial solutions to develop and lead our external strategies. #strongertogether

Meet the Team: We’re thrilled to kick off our new #JCFSpotlight series highlighting the incredible people behind JCF’s mission. Up first: Elizabeth McKinsey. With a career spanning roles in commercial real estate, nonprofit management, urban planning, and community development finance, Libba brings over seven years of experience in work focused on the intersection of housing and health outcomes. Libba’s ability to bridge diverse perspectives, guide strategic initiatives, and inspire teams underscores her commitment to creating meaningful change through thoughtful collaboration and authentic connections. #strongertogether

Marla Bilonick, JCF Board Member and CEO of JCF CCIA Network Coordinator National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), was featured in Forbes highlighting the transformative power of clean energy lending in under-resourced communities. Through NALCAB’s leadership and collaboration with JCF, community lenders are gaining access to financing and training so they can empower small businesses to reduce environmental impacts and achieve long-term cost savings. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/dk7aVeKd

Last week, JCF staff attended the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s #Deploy24 Conference in Washington, D.C.! Deploy24 is the second annual gathering of decision makers from across the private and public sectors — including senior industry executives, capital allocators, community leaders, and others across the clean energy supply chain— all focused on accelerating clean energy deployment and investment in the United States. Learn more about the conference here: https://lnkd.in/eD5eP2_y