Fifth Third Bank Invests $3 Million in Clearinghouse CDFI

Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (Clearinghouse CDFI) announced a $3 million Class A equity investment from Fifth Third Bank.

This marks the bank's first equity investment in Clearinghouse CDFI and establishes a new partnership between the two institutions.

Clearinghouse CDFI will leverage and deploy the capital through loans on projects that bring economic opportunity and essential services into communities.

The projects may include multi-family affordable housing, commercial real estate, small businesses, and community facilities.

Clearinghouse CDFI is a nationwide lender specializing in impactful and difficult-to-finance projects.

The investment will fund projects in the states served by both Clearinghouse CDFI and Fifth Third Bank, including Ohio, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, California, Arizona, and Texas.

Officials said Fifth Third's $3 million equity investment in Clearinghouse CDFI represents a strategic expansion of the bank's community development efforts through a first–time partnership with a nationally recognized CDFI.

The officials said the investment strengthens Fifth Third's ability to deploy flexible, high–impact capital alongside experienced mission–driven lenders and supports the bank's broader approach to place–based economic development across its footprint.

"CDFIs are essential partners in reaching communities and projects that fall outside traditional financing models," said Susan Thomas, head of community development for Fifth Third. "Our investment in Clearinghouse CDFI complements Fifth Third's broader community development efforts by pairing our capital with their specialized expertise. Together, we can help accelerate inclusive growth and deliver lasting economic benefits in the communities we serve."

Founded in 1996, Clearinghouse CDFI has $865 million in assets and has provided over $2 billion since its inception. It is a mission-driven lender focused on financing projects in low-income areas and capital-limited rural communities across the United States and in Indian Country.