029: Day 3: KEYNOTE: Funding Disaster Recovery Through a CDFI with Emily Nilsen

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description: 

 “As the recovery process continues, you have to continue to adapt.” —Emily Nilsen

Disaster recovery is a complex challenge, but innovative lenders are stepping up to the plate. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like Impact Development Fund are providing flexible financing, coordinating resources, and creating tailored programs to support communities in rebuilding and becoming more resilient.

In this talk, we hear from Emily Nilsen, the Chief Program Officer of Impact Development Fund. Listen in as Emily shares IDF’s three-pronged approach as well as the key partnerships, evolving programs, and adaptations required to effectively fund disaster recovery efforts. 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 00:50 What is CDFI? 
• 04:53 Rebuilding, Recovery, and Resiliency
• 12:13 Professional Burnout 
• 16:55 The Issue About Fraud 
• 19:02 The Close Out

👩🏻‍💼Meet Emily Nilsen, Chief Program Officer, Impact Development Fund

Emily Nilsen is dedicated to providing excellent leadership for the nonprofit sector, where she has 15 years of experience. Emily gets very passionate about causes she believes in, often in the realm of community development and housing, economic development, and philanthropy. Emily also has a love for policy and advocacy work, consistently researching best practices to expand an organization's public reach and creating collaborative, community-based solutions. When Emily is not busy with her work or volunteerism, Emily enjoys hanging out with her husband, Matthew, and her dog, Frodo. Emily is a voracious reader, a supporter of the Arts, and an appreciator of Colorado's beautiful outdoors.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilynilsen/ 

Connect with Impact Development Fund: 

• Website:  https://impactdf.org/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impactdevelopmentfund/