the public finance institute

The Public Finance Institute (PFI) is a nonprofit organization that is the successor to the Public Finance Initiative (founded in 2020), as described in our organizational announcement. We work with governments and other stakeholders to approach public finance through an integrated lens, considering how public, private, philanthropic, and community investment resources can be blended and braided to advance local priorities and place-based outcomes.

Our theory of change is anchored in what we call an integrated public finance strategy: the view that government finance, philanthropy, private development, and community development resources can be more effectively mobilized when they are understood and deployed as components of a single system, rather than in separate silos. We help leaders adopt practices that align and mobilize these resources around a shared place-based strategy to achieve greater impact.

We advance this work through capacity building and technical assistance. We elevate what we learn through field-building activities and apply our expertise directly to select consulting engagements through our advisory practice.