What is a CDC?
As a membership association, PACDC fosters strong community development corporations (CDCs) and non-profit community organizations by enhancing their skills and advocating for resources and policies to create a just and inclusive Philadelphia.
But what IS a community development corporation? A CDC is a not-for-profit organization incorporated to provide programs, offer services and engage in other activities that promote and support community development. CDCs usually serve a geographic location such as a neighborhood or a town.
Some states have specific criteria and processes for being certified as a CDC. Pennsylvania does not have these formal requirements, but most CDCs in our state focus on issue areas related to community development - some of the most common are affordable housing (through direct real estate development and management of affordable rental housing, providing housing counseling, support for new homeownership, home repairs, credit counseling, and more) and economic development (through commercial corridor management and cleaning, creative placemaking, entrepreneurship support, community wealth building, and more). But many CDCs also focus on a range of other issues that are identified as priorities by the communities they serve - things like health, food access, benefits enrollment, immigrant services, language access, workforce development, job training, community safety, arts and culture, youth programming, education, senior services, and much more.
The key to a great CDC is its connection to the communities and people it serves. This connection is often reflected in its mission and programmatic focus areas, as well as its board composition, leadership, staff, communications and events. Philadelphia is very fortunate to have a strong network of over 60 CDCs working in neighborhoods across the city to advance racial and economic justice.
Join Us!
Join a growing list of the city’s leading established and emerging community-based innovators and entrepreneurs. Learn from experienced colleagues, be reenergized by new voices and fresh approaches, and take advantage of free and discounted industry services. Together, share resources and insight, and most importantly, gain a seat at the table in community development decision-making.
Join a PACDC committee to have your voice heard! Member committees support PACDC decision-making, shape our programming, and set our policy priorities. We believe in the power of the lived experience of community leaders to set our agenda.
A STRONG VOICE IN POLICY. PACDC’s advocacy is a unifying and compelling voice in government, business, and funder forums, where decisions affecting neighborhoods are made.
STRONG CDCS. PACDC strengthens CDCs through professional development, funding, and networking opportunities.
A STRONG CITY. PACDC and member organizations build strong neighborhoods—and a strong Philadelphia—by increasing housing and economic opportunities and providing programs and services that sustain families and good jobs.
