What is CARS?

CARS, the CDFI Assessment and Rating System, is a comprehensive, third-party analysis of community development financial institutions that aids investors and donors in their investment decision-making. Learn more about CARS methodology, rating, and process or download a brochure from the Opportunity Finance Network.

Opportunity Fund CARS Rating

Impact Performance: AAA
(on a scale of AAA, AA, A, B),
A CDFI* in this group has clear alignment of mission, strategies, activities, and data that guides its programs and planning. The CDFI presents data that clearly indicate that it is using its resources effectively to achieve positive impacts related to its mission. It has processes and systems that track output and outcome data on an ongoing basis, and it can provide data showing positive changes in the communities or populations being served. This CDFI uses its data on an ongoing basis to adjust strategies and activities in line with its desired impact.

Financial Strength and Performance: 3
(on a scale of 1 to 5)
The current financial strength and recent performance of this CDFI is satisfactory.  It exhibits satisfactory financial strength, performance, and risk management practices relative to its current situation.  It is stable but less capable of withstanding fluctuations in its operating environment than a CDFI rated 1 or 2.  Generally, most FSP scores for this CDFI are 2s and 3s, although the CDFI may have received a 4.

*Opportunity Fund is a CDFI: Community Development Financial Association. A CDFI, defined by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is a unique entity established to provide credit, financial services, and other services to underserved markets or populations.  A CDFI is a nongovernment entity accountable to the community that may take one of several different forms: community development bank, community development credit union, community development loan fund (including microloan funds), or community development venture capital company.