National Black Bank Foundation

What National Black Bank Foundation does

National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF) is a nonprofit foundation headquartered in Stockbridge, Georgia, founded by Ashley Bell (a White House veteran) and Brandon Comer. Its stated mission is to ensure communities of color can access capital and build wealth by revitalizing the Black-owned banking sector, which has contracted from over 50 institutions in 1976 to roughly 18 today controlling less than 1% of U.S. banking assets ($4.8 billion). NBBF operates as an intermediary that delivers legal, regulatory, strategic, and operational support to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), supplemented by a wholly-owned investment unit called the Black Bank Fund that deploys Tier 1 capital directly into Black banks via stock purchases.

NBBF's core service lines include bank modernization consulting (delivered through a partnership with KPMG), legal and regulatory assistance (through Dentons), transaction syndication organizing for major commercial deals, and public awareness campaigns. The foundation has facilitated landmark syndicated loan transactions including a $35 million Atlanta Hawks practice facility financing (11 Black-owned banks, 2021), a $25 million Major League Soccer loan (2022 — the first professional sports league to transact exclusively with Black banks), a $45 million hotel development (The Trade by Marriott in Milwaukee, 2021), and Baltimore Arena redesign financing (2022). It derives revenue from philanthropic grants and donations (e.g., $25,000 from Ornstein-Schuler Investments in 2021) and from transaction facilitation fees on syndicated deals, though specific figures are not publicly disclosed.

The organization operates with 1-10 employees and a high-profile board chaired by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, with members including Dr. Bernice A. King, Hill Harper, and executives spanning financial services, civil rights, sports, and philanthropy. Its GTM motion combines enterprise relationship-building with sports leagues and corporate DEI buyers alongside community-led outreach through civil rights organizations (100 Black Men of America, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Black Players for Change). The company has no proprietary technology stack and no disclosed AI/ML capabilities.

Name

National Black Bank Foundation

Legal name

National Black Bank Foundation

Website

https://nbbfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

National Black Bank Foundation is a nonprofit intermediary that provides legal, regulatory, and operational support to U.S. Black-owned banks and facilitates landmark syndicated loan transactions — including the first $25M MLS deal with Black banks — connecting MDIs with corporate and sports league partners to close the racial wealth gap.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Finance

NAICS

Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles (525), Depository Credit Intermediation (5221)

SIC

Loan Brokers (6163), Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution (6159)

akta.pro primary industry

National Development Banks & State Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) (BPADACAC)

Keywords

• Community development finance
• Minority depository institutions
• Banking advocacy services
• Transaction syndication services
• Nonprofit banking support

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic grants and donations: NBBF receives grants and donations from corporations and individuals to support operations and mission. Examples include $25,000 from Ornstein-Schuler Investments.
2. Transaction facilitation fees: NBBF facilitates major transactions between corporations/sports leagues and Black bank syndicates, generating fees that grow banks' capital capacity.
3. Investment unit (Black Bank Fund): The Black Bank Fund provides direct Tier 1 capital investment into existing Black banks through stock purchases.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF) is a nonprofit intermediary that provides expert legal, regulatory, strategic, and operational support services to Black-owned banks (Minority Depository Institutions) and the communities they serve. It facilitates major syndicated loan transactions between Black bank syndicates and corporate or sports league partners, and operates the Black Bank Fund as an investment arm that provides direct Tier 1 capital investment into existing Black banks through stock purchases.

Product overview

National Black Bank Foundation is a nonprofit organization offering a suite of support services to Black-owned banks, comprising its core operating foundation and an investment arm called the Black Bank Fund. The foundation provides legal, regulatory, strategic, and operational support, while the Black Bank Fund delivers direct capital investment through stock purchases. Key services include Black bank modernization consulting (in partnership with KPMG), capital access intermediary services, transaction syndication organizing, and public awareness campaigns. The foundation acts as a financial intermediary that positions Black banks for greater capitalization by facilitating major commercial transactions with corporations and sports leagues.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF) Core Support Program Core nonprofit program delivering expert legal, regulatory, strategic, and operational support services to Black-owned banks to help them scale and meet underserved community demands. Targeted at Black-owned Minority Depository Institutions and the communities they serve.
• Black Bank Fund Wholly-owned investment arm of NBBF that provides direct Tier 1 capital investment into existing Black banks through stock purchases, strengthening their balance sheets and lending capacity. Targeted at Black-owned banks seeking equity capital.
• Black Bank Modernization Services Consultative service delivered in partnership with KPMG that helps Black-owned banks identify new growth strategies and services to strengthen their portfolios and modernize for the future. Targeted at leadership of Black-owned banks.
• Transaction Syndication Services Service that organizes and leads syndicates of Black banks to facilitate major commercial transactions, diversifying participating banks' portfolio risk while growing their capital capacity for new lending. Targeted at corporations and sports leagues seeking Black-bank financing.
• Capital Access Intermediary Services Intermediary service positioning Black-owned banks for capital access and strengthening their role as a community solution. Targeted at Black-owned MDIs and capital providers.
• Concierge Services for Capital Investment Concierge services provided to philanthropic foundations, corporations, family offices, and private individuals seeking to support Black-owned banks through capital investment and depository transactions. Targeted at philanthropic funders and institutional donors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Black banks have participated in over $300 million in credit transactions due to NBBF advocacy (2022 estimate)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Harbor Bank of MarylandflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 June 2022Baltimore-based Black-owned bank participating in multi-million syndicated loan to finance Baltimore Arena redesign, alongside Truist Bank and Oak View Group.
• Truist BankflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 June 2022Syndicate leader alongside Harbor Bank of Maryland for the Baltimore Arena redesign financing.
• Oak View Group (OVG)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2022Global venue development company leading the Baltimore Arena renovation, committed to equitable funding with diverse partners. Goal to award 27% and 10% of construction subcontracts to MBE and WBE respectively.
• Major League Soccer (MLS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2022Historic $25 million syndicated loan through Black banks, first major sports league to transact exclusively with Black banks. MLS committed to economic justice as part of racial justice efforts.
• Citizens Trust BankflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022Atlanta-based Black-owned bank served as Lead Arranger in MLS syndication of Black banks for the landmark $25 million transaction.
• Carver Federal Savings BankflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022New York-based Black-owned bank served as Co-lead Arranger in MLS syndication of Black banks for the $25 million transaction.
• Alamerica BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022Birmingham, Alabama-based member of the MLS Black bank syndicate.
• Carver State BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022Savannah, Georgia-based member of the MLS Black bank syndicate.
• Columbia Savings & LoanscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022Milwaukee-based member of the MLS Black bank syndicate.
• Mechanics & Farmers BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022Durham, North Carolina-based member of the MLS Black bank syndicate.
• Unity National BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 March 2022Houston-based member of the MLS Black bank syndicate.
• 100 Black Men of America, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2022Partner organization working with MLS and NBBF to educate constituents on economic empowerment programming.
• National Coalition of 100 Black WomencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2022Partner organization collaborating with NBBF and MLS on economic empowerment education for members.
• Black Players for ChangecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2022Partner organization participating in economic empowerment programming with NBBF and MLS.
• Aspen InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner organization providing fellowship and support for NBBF initiatives, with Aspen Institute Fellow Yolanda Daniels serving on the board.
• Atlanta HawksflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Historic $35 million transaction through 11 Black-owned banks for practice facility financing, the first major sports franchise to secure Black bank financing. Impacted 25 communities across the country.
• Marriott InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021NBBF facilitated $45 million transaction for The Trade, a new Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee's Deer District.
• KPMGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Big Four accounting firm KPMG provides consultative services to help Black banks identify new growth strategies and services that strengthen their portfolios and modernize for the future.
• DentonscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Global law firm Dentons provides expert legal and regulatory support to Black-owned banks as part of NBBF's concierge service model.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Opportunity Finance Network: National network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs); directly comparable as a nonprofit intermediary that builds capacity and capital access for mission-driven lenders, analogous to NBBF's role with Black-owned MDIs.
• National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC): National nonprofit that works to increase fair access to banking and lending for underserved communities; overlaps with NBBF's mission of expanding capital access to communities of color and advocating for minority depository institutions.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): Major nonprofit community development financial intermediary providing capital, technical assistance, and policy advocacy to community-based lenders; closely analogous to NBBF's concierge support and capital deployment role.
• CDFI Coalition: Trade association representing CDFIs and mission-driven financial institutions; comparable to NBBF as an advocate/intermediary focused on capitalizing community development lenders.
• Capital Impact Partners: Mission-driven CDFI providing capital and capacity-building support to underserved communities; comparable to NBBF's Black Bank Fund in providing direct capital deployment to community-focused financial institutions.
• National Association of Minority Economists / National Bankers Association: Trade association specifically representing minority-owned banks; closely aligned with NBBF's mission of supporting and capitalizing the shrinking pool of minority depository institutions.

Broad incumbents

• National Urban League: Large historic civil rights organization with significant economic empowerment programming for Black communities; comparable as a broad incumbent in the racial economic equity space that NBBF also operates in.
• NAACP: Major civil rights organization that includes economic justice and financial equity advocacy; broader than NBBF but operates in the same racial wealth gap closure mission space.
• Federal Home Loan Banks: Government-sponsored bank system providing liquidity and capacity to member banks including MDIs; comparable as a large institutional provider of capital and capacity support to community banks, the function NBBF serves for Black banks.

Others

• Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA): National trade association for community banks, including advocacy and capacity-building services for member institutions; an ecosystem peer that supports similar institutions as NBBF but at broader scale and scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BlkBanksMatter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Black Bank Foundation