NASLEF Grows Across America, Welcomes New Member

NASLEF Grows Across America, Welcomes New Member

NASLEF, a leading organization empowering locally engaged housing and community investment partners, announced the addition of Grow America as a new member.

For more than 30 years, NASLEF has fostered collaboration, shared expertise, and advocated on behalf of local and regional equity funds dedicated to building vibrant communities. Collectively, NASLEF members have raised over $22.5 billion and supported the development of over 200,000 homes across the country.

Today, NASLEF announces that they will be expanding their reach with the addition of Grow America. Built upon a need for industry access and relationships, the mission of NASLEF has evolved over the years to help members expand services, develop new talent and leadership, and focus on values. NASLEF will stay true to its mission to empower locally-engaged, mission-driven housing and community investment partners to create thriving communities while welcoming Grow America as their latest member.

“NASLEF is excited to welcome Grow America to our network. They share NASLEF's deep mission-driven focus with local investments in housing and are nationally recognized for programs to train affordable housing practitioners,” said Ari Beliak, Board President of NASLEF and CEO of Merritt, “Grow America is a great addition to our collaborative association and will increase our collective impact.”

Grow America, founded in 1969, shares NASLEF's commitment to create equitable, vibrant futures by increasing the flow of capital to underserved communities. With a proven track record of raising and deploying $1.26 billion in equity, creating 16,743 housing units, Grow America aligns with NASLEF's values and mission.

“We are excited to join NASLEF as we share similar missions and the opportunity to participate in industry discussions with our peers will strengthen our impact,” said Michael Griffin, Executive Managing Director for Housing of Grow America.

This partnership underscores the critical need for increased collaboration in addressing the housing crisis. By working together, all NASLEF members will leverage their combined expertise and resources to create a greater impact for residents through local presence, engagement, and trusted partnerships.

About Grow America:

Founded in 1969, Grow America, formerly NDC, has worked for over half a century fulfilling our mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. We direct capital to support the development and preservation of affordable housing, the creation of jobs through training and small business lending, and the advancement of livable communities through investment in social infrastructure.