CDFIs are private financial institutions with a mission. They provide credit and other financial services to underserved markets and people in order to help them become more financially independent. They give small businesses, micro-businesses, affordable housing, charter schools, and non-profit organizations access to credit. Their target markets are businesses owned by minorities and women in low- to middle-income areas that aren’t usually served by big commercial banks. They are called Responsible Finance Providers in the UK.