Become an advocate volunteer at the Community Empowerment Fund!

The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) is a non-profit organization that works to combat the racial wealth gap by cultivating opportunities, assets, and communities that sustain transitions out of homelessness and poverty. CEF strives to equip Members of our community with the tools they may need to achieve financial independence and is committed to working with Members instead of for them. Our approach combines person-centered support with financial services that pursue equity in order to reduce the racial wealth gap. CEF Members receive sustained one-on-one support from volunteer Advocates, trained in racial equity and trauma-informed care, to help achieve their chosen goals. Working with Advocates, Members secure housing, gain employment, and build savings in order to increase assets and sustain transitions out of poverty.

The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) is currently seeking volunteer Advocates to begin starting this August in the Durham office. As an advocate volunteer, you would be working with community Members in Durham to accomplish their goals in hour-long meetings, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Meetings can range from discussing housing options locally and applying to jobs, to helping them find childcare for their kids. CEF also strives to combat the exclusion of marginalized groups from mainstream financial services by providing accurate financial information and access to quality financial services via our Safe Savings Account and partnerships with local financial institutions. Advocates are expected to volunteer for 2 hours a week and attend community calls and trainings meant to advance their understanding of issues pertaining to racial equity and the specific needs of Members.

You can learn more about CEF on our website, https://communityempowermentfund.org/, or on our Instagram bio, @communityef.

Our application is now open and closes on Monday, July 20th, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Apply here, https://forms.gle/p2k2Re5j2QPmpaoPA. All are welcome to apply!

If you have any questions, feel free to email our Advocate Program Coordinator at rohang@communityef.org!