South Florida Community Development Coalition

SFCDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting comprehensive community development, while expanding affordable housing and economic opportunity. The organization’s focus is Miami-Dade County, and moving towards providing more training opportunities in Broward County and the rest of South Florida.

The organization has two full-time staff, contracted service providers, and is currently governed by a 15-person board. The board meets bi-monthly and the Executive Director (ED) reports to the board. SFCDC’s FY 2018 budget is $218,000 and the organization is on an upward trajectory with resources and programming. SFCDC is a small nonprofit with leveraged increasing impact.

SFCDC was incorporated in 2007, after several years of community developers in Miami-Dade County meeting around critical issues impacting low- and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods. In recent years, both the board of directors and membership have expanded to further embrace a comprehensive approach to community development. SFCDC currently has fifty organizational members, along with individual members and partners. In addition to community development corporations (CDCs) and affordable housing developers, SFCDC members work in small business development, human services, health and related fields. SFCDC membership consists of local nonprofits and community-based organizations, developers, financial institutions, consultants, professional service providers, national nonprofits, and individuals who work to provide low- and moderate-income individuals with access to the tools necessary to build wealth and to ensure that all neighborhoods are livable, safe, and economically vibrant. The organization has a presence on the national scene through memberships, board service, and federal advocacy. Through our knowledgeable staff and board, SFCDC serves as a “landing pad” for individuals and organizations seeking to contribute to community economic development in South Florida.

Policy

SFCDC engages in policy research and advocacy. SFCDC’s policy committee members drive the strategic policy priorities of the organization. SFCDC staff researches program and policies and advocates on behalf of the membership. The goal of SFCDC is to be a central resource for community economic development and to make information such as programs, policies, and best practices readily available. SFCDC’s advocacy efforts have focused on expanding resources for affordable housing, advancing homeownership opportunities throughout Miami-Dade County, improving infill development opportunities, funding small business development, coordination & accountability, and ensuring meaningful participation of nonprofits. SFCDC currently has an appointed seat on Miami-Dade County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The seat is currently filled by SFCDC’s ED.

Nonprofit Capacity

SFCDC coordinates training and technical assistance programs targeted to organizations and community leaders focused on affordable housing and community economic development. SFCDC firmly believes in not duplicating efforts of other capacity building organizations, so training and convenings are often delivered within a community development context. SFCDC partners with other training and capacity building providers where appropriate. SFCDC attracts resources and engages partners to build the entire sector. SFCDC is an implementation partner in the Community Scholars in Affordable Housing program and Florida Thrives, and in 2018 launched the Nonprofit Board Builder program to match community leaders with nonprofits seeking board leadership.

Collaboration & Partnerships

Partnership and collaboration are essential to community economic development. SFCDC facilitates collaboration and partnerships with a focus on building capacity, performance and impact. SFCDC has ongoing programming partnerships with Catalyst Miami and the University of Miami Office of Civic Community Engagement. SFCDC also works with Miami Homes for All and People Acting for Community Together on housing policy. SFCDC staffs the convening of internal policy committees, a small business development working group and serves on cross-sector advisory boards and task forces. SFCDC is a member of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, which offers national peer learning and networking opportunities for SFCDC’s ED