Partnership for Financial Equity

2025 Financial Equity Summit Set for October 7th-8th

Register for the 2025 Summit Now

Connections, Best Practices, Thought Leaders

Partnership for Financial Equity helps financial institutions to stay current on Community Reinvestment Act requirements and engage in important research and timely conversations about investments in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods . Membership donations to Partnership for Financial Equity are a qualified investment under the State’s CRA statute.

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Small Business Lending Committee

Our Small Business Lending Committee promotes the economic vitality of low- and moderate-income communities with insight, ideas and data designed to encourage small business lending and close racial wealth gaps.

Mortgage Lending Committee

Our Mortgage Lending Committee works to close the racial homeownership gap and to expand and sustain homeownership in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.

Responsive Banking Services Committee

Our Responsive Banking Services Committee supports Basic Banking for Massachusetts and addresses emerging issues impacting access to financial services for low- to moderate income households.

CRA Peer Group

Our CRA Peer Group is a network, resource and voice providing CRA officers an opportunity to respond to regulatory changes, share resources, and elevate best practices.

CRA Community Council

Through shared insights, best practices, and innovative strategies, we aim to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among community stakeholders, creating a dynamic group dedicated to advancing responsible and equitable community reinvestment strategies.

Latest Report

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Our latest Small Business Lending Matters report is out

Our latest Massachusetts Small Business Lending Matters report is out with lending data from 2022. The report examines geographic distribution…

News and Events

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News

Nominate your Favorite Bank-Community Partnership for an Elevating Equity Award

August 15, 2025 – Partnership for Financial Equity is pleased to announce the return of our Elevating Equity awards, designed to recognize outstanding bank-community partnerships reaching low- to moderate-income households. Awards will be given in three categories – small business lending/support, mortgage lending/homeownership, and banking services/asset building. Winning partnerships will receive a $1,000 cash reward […]

Events

2025 Financial Equity Summit Set for October

Registration is now open for our fourth annual Financial Equity Summit! It will be a compelling two days of speakers, panelists, cutting edge research, and exciting announcements and take place on October 7th and 8th with the second day being held in-person at The Vault, 238 Essex Street in downtown Lawrence. Stay tuned for more […]

“At the Partnership for Financial Equity, our member banks and community organizations are always hard at work making a significant impact in reaching underserved communities in Massachusetts,” said Brook Ames, SVP, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer for Leader Bank and chair of the Partnership for Financial Equity.

Brook Ames, Leader Bank