CAHEC, a community investment organization based in Raleigh, NC, and Columbia, SC, has released its fourth annual ESG Impact Report for 2025, detailing progress in sustainability, community investment, and organizational resilience. The report reflects the full scope of CAHEC and its affiliates—CAHEC Management, Inc. (CMI) and CAHEC Properties Corporation (CPC)—and underscores the organization's mission of fostering thriving communities through affordable housing and equitable opportunities.
A key feature of the 2025 report is a refreshed materiality assessment that incorporated input from internal and external stakeholders across all three entities. This updated assessment reinforces community impact as a core priority for CAHEC and its affiliates, providing a stronger foundation for the organization's ESG strategy and a more accurate reflection of its expanded scope and impact. CAHEC continues to voluntarily align with leading frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB FN-AC), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The report highlights several notable achievements. CAHEC New Markets received a $75 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund, bringing cumulative NMTC awards to $345 million and investments to $270 million. These investments support high-distress communities, with actual and projected outcomes including more than 3,500 jobs created, 5,400 student seats, 1,650 childcare spots, and 662 shelter and recovery beds. The organization also reported strong portfolio results: $162.1 million in equity raised, 39 communities and 1,650 units syndicated, $374,100 in community investment grants, and 4,694 residents served.
Employee-driven community engagement remains a cornerstone of CAHEC's efforts. Through the Team Outreach program, team members contributed 1,340 volunteer hours across 13 partner organizations. Dana Boole, President & CEO of CAHEC, stated, "Our refreshed materiality assessment confirms what drives us. Community is still at the core of everything we do, and our accountability to stakeholders matters more than ever. This report provides a stronger foundation to measure what matters and illustrate the full scope of CAHEC's impact."
The release of this report matters for several reasons. It demonstrates CAHEC's commitment to transparency and accountability, offering stakeholders a clear picture of how the organization is advancing its mission. The substantial NMTC allocation and investments signify continued support for underserved communities, potentially spurring economic development and job creation in distressed areas. The strong portfolio results indicate CAHEC's effectiveness in mobilizing capital for affordable housing and community development. Moreover, the emphasis on employee volunteerism highlights a culture of giving back that can inspire other organizations. For industry observers, CAHEC's alignment with recognized ESG frameworks sets a benchmark for best practices in the community investment sector. As affordable housing and equitable opportunities remain pressing issues across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, CAHEC's efforts could serve as a model for other community development financial institutions. To learn more about CAHEC's contributions to affordable housing and surrounding communities, visit CAHEC's website.
