Expanding opportunity, empowering entrepreneurs, and strengthening communities
We invest capital, knowledge, and partnerships to help entrepreneurs grow businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities across the Washington, DC region.
Our Mission
Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Wacif has been continuously certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 1996, making the organization one of the nation’s first CDFIs.
WACIF is established to increase economic opportunity in the Washington, DC region by investing in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs.
Becomes one of the nation’s first organizations certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)—a designation WACIF has maintained ever since.
Launches new loan products and technical assistance programs to better serve entrepreneurs across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Expansion of services, including the launch of the Ascend Capital Accelerator Program
Mobilizes emergency capital and business support to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acquisition of The HIVE and Anacostia Art Center.
Continues to grow programs in entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and economic development, serving more entrepreneurs and communities each year.
Our Vision
A society where communities can prosper and people can thrive through entrepreneurship.
Our Values
An Economy That Works For All
Every facet of our work should be directed toward and reflect an unwavering commitment to fair access to the opportunities afforded by entrepreneurship. Our work is led by the recognition that access to entrepreneurship is essential to strengthening the fabric of our economy.
Our Values
Stewardship and Accountability
It is our duty as stewards to be accountable for the resources with which we are entrusted. WACIF's stakeholders have a right to expect excellence in our stewardship. Our accountability is a statement of respect for our staff, board, investors, funders, partners, and, most importantly, the clients and communities we serve.
Founding Pillars
Entrepreneurship
Helping business owners start, grow, and succeed with resources and guidance.
Founding Pillars
Community Wealth Building
Creating lasting economic stability by investing in local businesses and communities.
Founding Pillars
Economic Development
Driving regional growth through capital access, job creation, and business support.
In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20220; call (202) 622-1160; or send an e-mail to: .