Community Development Consulting

We assist Community Development Entities (CDEs) with a full range of consulting services from application writing, reporting requirements, capital raising, community impact planning and tracking and more.

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Where Is Your Organization Now and How Would You Like It To Evolve?

Our team of seasoned professionals has a long track record of helping organizations, including Community Development Entities (CDEs), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), community lenders, not-for-profits and other community development organizations. We understand where they are in their market, where they would like to go in the future and how to develop a forward-looking roadmap to make those goals a reality. We assist with the formation of and strategic planning for CDEs, CDFIs and community lenders. We assist at every point in their lifecycle, including:

Raising, Deploying and Managing Capital

Cherry Bekaert's Strategic Financing Services expertly navigates the complexities of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) process, guiding clients through raising, deploying, and managing capital. Whether at the initial stage of securing funds or at the point of strategic deployment in underserved communities, Cherry Bekaert provides tailored solutions to maximize impact and efficiency.

Our experienced team ensures that each step aligns with regulatory requirements and organizational goals, empowering clients to advance seamlessly to the next phase of their financial strategy. With a focus on optimizing outcomes, Cherry Bekaert stands as a trusted partner in leveraging NMTC opportunities for sustainable growth and community development. Wherever you are in the cycle, Cherry Bekaert’s Strategic Financing Services can help you get to the next step.

Contact Our Community Development Team

We have been a major player in Community Development Consulting, NMTCs and related capital funding streams for decades. 

Our Community Development Consulting Services

Building the Foundation and Creating the Organizational Framework

It is this kind of strategic thinking and planning that helps organizations make the biggest impact within their communities. We assist clients with formalizing their organizational framework starting with an assessment, then formulating a plan that will build upon the strengths, seek capacity building where needed and include concrete steps to achieve the organization’s short and long-term goals and objectives.

Having a clear understanding of the current operations is imperative before starting to build. The assessment should include a review of the organization’s service area, products and services, track record, pipeline, community impact data, management capacity and finances. The assessment allows us to mark the starting point and chart the course. The strategic plan serves as the roadmap for how to achieve the organization’s goals and fulfill the organization’s mission statement.

Assistance With CDE and CDFI Certifications

At the outset, any entity seeking to be certified as a CDE or CDFI must submit the relevant certification application. It’s a critical step in your journey, and our team has years of experience to help you navigate this process. We can also prepare sub-CDE certifications in connection with NMTC allocation agreements. We work with organizations to meet certification requirements and establish policies and procedures that will provide continued compliance.

Capital Raising Strategy

Hand-in-hand with identifying an organization’s short-term and long-term goals and objective needs required to develop a sustainable financial plan. Grants and government funding can be an important component, but often require matching funding sources, private investment commitments and a strategy for long-term financial viability.

NMTC Allocation Applications

During the NMTC application process we work one-on-one with you—considering the organization as a whole. Additionally, we bring a deep understanding of the intent and purpose behind the NMTC application questions—knowledge that helps you craft clear and successful responses balancing passion for the community development work with data that demonstrates effectiveness.

To date, our team has authored applications resulting in more than allocations. Our services go far beyond preparing and drafting applications; we position our clients strategically to secure and manage their NMTC allocations.

 

 

Building the Foundation and Creating the Organizational Framework

It is this kind of strategic thinking and planning that helps organizations make the biggest impact within their communities. We assist clients with formalizing their organizational framework starting with an assessment, then formulating a plan that will build upon the strengths, seek capacity building where needed and include concrete steps to achieve the organization’s short and long-term goals and objectives.

Having a clear understanding of the current operations is imperative before starting to build. The assessment should include a review of the organization’s service area, products and services, track record, pipeline, community impact data, management capacity and finances. The assessment allows us to mark the starting point and chart the course. The strategic plan serves as the roadmap for how to achieve the organization’s goals and fulfill the organization’s mission statement.

Assistance With CDE and CDFI Certifications

At the outset, any entity seeking to be certified as a CDE or CDFI must submit the relevant certification application. It’s a critical step in your journey, and our team has years of experience to help you navigate this process. We can also prepare sub-CDE certifications in connection with NMTC allocation agreements. We work with organizations to meet certification requirements and establish policies and procedures that will provide continued compliance.

Capital Raising Strategy

Hand-in-hand with identifying an organization’s short-term and long-term goals and objective needs required to develop a sustainable financial plan. Grants and government funding can be an important component, but often require matching funding sources, private investment commitments and a strategy for long-term financial viability.

NMTC Allocation Applications

During the NMTC application process we work one-on-one with you—considering the organization as a whole. Additionally, we bring a deep understanding of the intent and purpose behind the NMTC application questions—knowledge that helps you craft clear and successful responses balancing passion for the community development work with data that demonstrates effectiveness.

To date, our team has authored applications resulting in more than allocations. Our services go far beyond preparing and drafting applications; we position our clients strategically to secure and manage their NMTC allocations.

 

 

Case Study

New Markets Tax Credit Case Study for Bienville Lumber

Explore the success story of Bienville Lumber's sawmill renovation, made possible by $43 million in NMTC allocation, driving economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Our Professionals

Connect With Us

Laurel Tinsley

Strategic Financing Services Advisory Leader

Managing Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC

Contact Our Community Development Team