Theory of Change

Our Why
Our theory of change defines how we work toward a California where all communities, regardless of race or income, have permanence of place and equitable access to real estate as a path to self-determination and power.
We do this by providing our community partners—organizations that foster thriving California communities—with flexible capital and strategic advising.
Our theory of change helps us measure our impact and ensure that our work advances lasting community ownership.
Theory of Change
Because discrimination in land ownership and control has played a central role in creating inequality, we work to advance community ownership of community assets.
To us, that means supporting community-rooted organizations to purchase, preserve and develop social purpose real estate that:
So that our clients achieve stability and scale, and every community has equitable access to opportunity, agency, and power.
How We Work
We do this through these core strategies:
Responsive lending
Financing to support community real estate projects and related needs
Catalytic capital
Early-stage “possibility capital” to help get community development projects off the ground
Advising and support
Respectful, culturally aware real estate and financial advising to advance projects and mitigate risk
Recent News
Statement: Opposition to the Elimination of the CDFI Fund Staff
We at Community Vision, a 38-year-old community development financial institution (CDFI) based in California, strongly oppose the announced permanent reduction-in-force…
Anita Kumar, PhD, Joins Board of Directors
We’re thrilled to welcome Anita Kumar to Community Vision’s Board of Directors. Anita is the Director of Community Coalitions &…
Introducing Our Refreshed Brand
We’re excited to reveal Community Vision’s refreshed branding and website—an update that reflects our mission to advance racial and economic…