The federal government has officially reopened following the recent shutdown, thanks to a new funding deal that restores agency operations through January 30, 2026. The agreement reverses federal layoffs, guarantees back pay for furloughed workers, and allows federal programs across departments to resume normal activity. This broader reopening provides needed stability not just for federal employees, but for the many industries and communities that depend on predictable government operations.
For CDFI credit unions, the return to full federal functionality is especially welcome. With staffing restored at the CDFI Fund, Certification reviews, grant application processing, and oversight activities can once again move forward. This removes a major source of uncertainty that had paused or slowed projects during the shutdown.
Now is the time for credit unions to reassess their CDFI strategies. Certified institutions should closely track their Target Market lending to ensure they remain on pace for annual recertification. Those aiming for Certification in 2026 must recognize that their 2025 lending performance will be central to their eligibility, making early action essential.
The reopening also creates an ideal moment to restart or accelerate CDFI initiatives that were delayed. With the CDFI Fund operational again, project timelines, documentation efforts, and internal planning can progress without the disruptions that defined the shutdown period.
Time to (re)Start
With the federal government back online and the CDFI Fund fully operational, credit unions should begin or resume their CDFI projects as soon as possible. Acting early positions your institution for stronger grant applications, a smoother certification process, and a strategic advantage going into 2026.
The time is now. This is the moment to move forward with confidence.
CDFI Fund
