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CEF Featured in Federal Reserve Bank's Magazine

By on 6/2/11 in General, In the News

Along with fellow student-run microfinance institutions from across the country, the Community Empowerment Fund was featured in an article by Lyn E. Haralson in “The Bridges,” the magazine of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

To read the article, click here.

Thanks to the Federal Reserve Bank for sharing information with their readers about CEF’s work, and to all our fellow student-run MFI’s who do fantastic work and whom we continue to learn from — including the Intersect Fund (Rutgers University, NJ), the Elmseed Enterprise Fund (Yale University, CT), and the Capital Good Fund (Brown University, RI)

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Small Business Class Tomorrow!

By on 5/10/11 in General

Wednesday, May 11th 2:30-4:00pm
Monday, May 16th 2:30-4:00pm
Wednesday, May 18th 2:30-4:00pm
Monday, May 23th 2:30-4:00pm
Wednesday, May 25th 2:30-4:00pm
Monday, June 30th 2:30-4:00pm

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CEF Documentary Premier: June 12th

By on 5/10/11 in General

MICRO-FINANCE NARRATIVES IN DURHAM
Sunday, June 12, 3 p.m.
Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St.
This film, funded in part by the NC Humanities Council explores a micro-finance initiative for the homeless operated by the Community Empowerment Fund, a student-run organization based at UNC-Chapel Hill. The film follows students and clients from Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Durham as they work together to build businesses, find housing and employment, and pursue educational opportunities. A panel discussion will follow the film.

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Work with CEF This Summer!

By on 4/14/11 in General

We Need Advocates this Summer!

CEF Advocates work side by side with individuals struggling with underemployment and unemployment, saving for affordable housing, striving to start their own business, and sustainably working their way out of poverty.

As a CEF Member Advocate:

You’ll have the opportunity to work closely alongside one of our Members (homeless, unemployed, or underemployed individuals), helping to provide financial support and access to resources, as well as to build a supportive environment.

No experience necessary- we will provide training to all new volunteers!

Ready to get involved?
Information sessions will be held at 1pm on may 14th.
Contact info@thecommunityempowermentfund.org with any questions!

Member Advocates will:

  • Believe In Possibilities
  • Budgeting
  • Resume Building
  • Job Search Assistance
  • Find Ways to Increase Income and Decrease Expenses
  • Housing Search Assistance
  • Connections to Community and Government Resources
  • Small Business Plan Preparation
  • Personal Coach for Economic Independence
  • Bond with Each Other! And Strengthen Relationships
  • Stand Up for All People
  • Explore Pathways to Higher Education
  • Fight for Financial Freedom
  • Create Positive Community
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Featured Member: Equashia

By on 3/21/11 in General, Member Story


One of CEF’s most well-known and vibrant members, Equashia joined the CEF family through her participation in Talking Sidewalks starting in October 2009. In 2010, Equashia graduated from the first small business training in February as well as the pilot savings circle in September.

Equashia has been a staunch advocate for CEF’s programs since the beginning, leading the effort for outreach before the first small business training, motivating and educating new volunteers during Member Advocate Training, traveling to help out at CEF speaking engagements, and telling anyone who listen about what CEF can do for them.

After her graduation from the business program, Equashia started her own business of making and selling “tar heel” scarves. She found a niche in the market with the large group of Muslim women on UNC’s campus, and was able to sell all of her merchandise in a short span of time.

In addition, Equashia has been one of our biggest savers, reaching her goal of $1,000 earlier this year! She didn’t stop there, though. Equashia has continued to save with CEF, and is currently working on a new goal. Now living in an apartment, Equashia finds time to spend time with CEF and maintain her close community ties with other organizations and communities in the area. If you haven’t met her yet, Equashia is a great friend and role model to have.

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Donate & Double Your Dollars

By on 3/6/11 in General

From now until June 1st

Every Dollar You Give To CEF Will Be Doubled!

Matched up to $5,000 by the Stewards Fund.



Donations to CEF go toward:

  • Matching Savings for CEF Savers with micro-development accounts
  • Micro-Loans for Small Business Training graduates

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Box-Out Rasing Support for CEF

By on 3/3/11 in General

Box-Out is a yearly event where students come together to raise money and awareness for issues surrounding homelessness in Chapel Hill. Students raise at least $30 to to sleep overnight in a cardboard box in the pit, all while learning about local poverty and enjoying music and food. Box-Out will take place on April 1st.

Register for the Event Here

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CEF on the Radio

By on 9/28/10 in General, In the News

So we’re a bit behind the times on this one, but WCHL Radio did a Profile on CEF back in February! It’s amazing to see how much our program has changed in the last 6 months, transitioning from a focus on micro-loans to our emphasis on asset building and small-business trainings.

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CEF: Community Empowerment Fund
Chapel Hill: 919-200-0233 Durham: 919-797-9233

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