Though founded in 1968 with a national focus, the Cooperative Assistance Fund, or CAF, has focused its community development work on the District of Columbia over the last 15 years.  CAF was initially capitalized by socially responsible investors and foundations seeking creative ways to promote job development and economic parity in low wealth communities.  CAF has invested more than $7 million and leveraged an additional $56 million since its establishment.  CAF is a long term shareholder of City First Bank but deepened the relationship in 2001.  CAF and City First established a cash collateral program with a $200,000 deposit.  Using the cash to support small business loans to start up or emerging companies with limited financial strength, in 2007 alone, the deposit was leveraged at a ratio of 6:1, supporting $970,000 in new loan originations.

CAF support is open to disadvantaged companies in the District of Columbia that demonstrate the potential to provide new jobs in low income communities, provide a stable economic base for the business owner, and operate in or benefit a low to moderate income community.