Mission, Vision & Values

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Our Mission

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved 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: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable 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.

Our Vision

An equitable and just society where communities can prosper and people can thrive through entrepreneurship.

Our Values

Equity and Inclusion

Every facet of our work should be directed toward and reflect an unwavering commitment to fair and equal access to the opportunities afforded by entrepreneurship. Equity is a guiding principle of our work, and is reflected in our commitment to break down barriers and build an inclusive and just society.

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: .

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.