Community First Fund changes its name to Finanta

The 32-year-old Lancaster city-based Community First Fund has changed its name to Finanta, taking on the name of the Philadelphia-based nonprofit lender it merged with in 2020.

"The name change to Finanta is a declaration of who we are and what we stand for," said Daniel Betancourt, president and CEO of Finanta, in announcing the move. "We are building on a foundation of economic inclusion and community partnership, bringing forward a name that strongly aligns with our mission and the diverse communities we serve."

The name change marks a pivotal moment for Community First Fund, a leading community development financial institution and federally chartered credit union, which serves immigrants, people of color, women and those living in low-income communities in the greater Philadelphia area, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

In announcing the name change, Finanta said the name is a more consumer-friendly and that it will help accelerate the growth of Finanta Credit Union, with new branches planned for Philadelphia and Reading.

All staff, senior leadership and board, product offerings and services and regions of service will remain unchanged. Finanta retains its mission "to create financial equity through wealth-building opportunities and support for individuals, families and business owners."

The name change follows a historic year for the organization. Its business and affordable housing lending broke the organization's record, exceeding $52 million. Finanta Credit Union grew to more than $10 million in assets, supported members with more than $2 million in capital, and launched a free financial education program for English and Spanish speakers.

Since 2013, a total of $160 million in New Markets Tax Credits were allocated to the organization, allowing for opportunities to fund impactful, large-scale projects to help revitalize neighborhoods and build local financial equity. Its most recent award was $40 million in 2024.

Community First was founded in 1992. Since then, it has provided more than $290 million in financing to more than 1,850 borrowers. In addition to its headquarters in Lancaster, it also has offices in Allentown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Reading and York.

Finanta was founded in 1996. Since then, it has provided more than $67 million in loans to more than 2,800 borrowers. Its sole office is in Philadelphia.