Mission Driven Bank Fund and National Bankers Association Unite to Boost Community Banks

The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently joined forces with the National Bankers Association to host a webinar focused on how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve growth and mission objectives. The discussion, which took place on August 27, 2026, featured insights from MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch, Senior Officer Mayowa Sanusi, Anchor Bank President and CEO Nelson Hinojosa, and Matt Shields, Head of Financial Institutions Group Markets at Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC.

The webinar underscored the critical need for access to capital in the mission-driven banking sector. Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, emphasized the importance of such partnerships. "The Mission Driven Bank Fund has been a valued partner to the National Bankers Association for the past several years, and we appreciate their continued commitment to our members and the broader mission-driven banking sector," she said. "Access to capital is critical to helping these institutions grow and deepen their impact."

MDBF's approach combines flexible capital with technical services and impact measurement to support community-focused financial institutions. These investments are designed to strengthen balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in underserved communities. The webinar highlighted Anchor Bank's experience as a case study, demonstrating how strategic capital can play a central role in advancing long-term objectives. Through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported the bank's growth and strengthened its balance sheet, with additional support from technical services and impact measurement resources.

Anchor Bank's Hinojosa provided a firsthand perspective on the value of the partnership. Since joining MDBF's portfolio, Anchor Bank has strengthened its capital position, expanded its footprint, and continued serving its target markets while pursuing growth opportunities in new regions. "The Mission Driven Bank Fund provides more than capital," said Hinojosa. "It provides strategic partnership, credibility and ongoing support that helps us continue pursuing our mission and growth objectives."

The webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, highlighting improving conditions across bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions to support strategic growth and balance sheet management. Matt Shields praised MDBF's dedication: "I continue to commend the Mission Driven Bank Fund. There's no one as focused on serving and investing in MDIs and CDFIs across the country as the Mission Driven Bank Fund."

The partnership between MDBF and the National Bankers Association is a testament to the importance of supporting minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). By providing capital and technical expertise, MDBF helps these banks thrive, which in turn creates wealth in low- and moderate-income communities. The fund's mission is to drive growth and financial resiliency in the mission-driven bank sector, and its collaboration with organizations like the National Bankers Association amplifies its impact.

As the banking industry evolves, the need for innovative capital solutions and strategic support for community banks becomes increasingly vital. The webinar served as a platform to share knowledge and resources, ensuring that mission-driven institutions are well-equipped to serve their communities and achieve sustainable growth. For more information about the Mission Driven Bank Fund, visit www.missiondrivenbankfund.org.