Question: What is a CDC?

Answer: A community development corporation (CDC) is a non-profit, community-based organization that is resident initiated, managed and controlled. CDCs employ professionally trained staff, enabling them to target specific areas, and create solutions to their distressed community’s economic problems. Using public/private partnerships and building long-term community capacity, CDCs concentrate on increasing the assets of individuals and communities to reduce poverty, economic dependence and enhance community self-reliance by integrating economic, social and environmental goals.

Question: How do I start a CDC in my community?

Answer: First ask yourself if a CDC is necessary and needed in your community?; Does one already exist? Or Is there significant support for such an organization within my community? If your answer is yes, then proceed to legally formalize as a non-profit 501(c)(3) CDC. Check with the Internal Revenue Service and your local Secretary of State’s office to find out the process.

Question: Is NCACDC Membership a requirement of all CDCs?

Answer: No. NCACDC membership is not required, however, in some instances it may be preferred. It is however strongly recommended that all CDCs invest in continuing education and/or staff and organization development.

Question: How can my CDC become a NCACDC member organization, and take advantage of the many programs and services offered?

Answer: NCACDC’s membership process is simple. Fill out an application online or download and mail in with required supporting documentation. Once received the membership committee will review your application, set a follow-up interview, and then make a recommendation to the full board.

Question: How long does it take to become a NCACDC member?

Answer: Timing is everything. Members can be added quarterly, coinciding with the frequency of meetings of NCACDC’s Board of Directors. However, all required information must be submitted and received prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Board to be considered during that meeting. Therefore, it could take as little as a few weeks or as much as four to five months or more.

Question: What is the cost of membership dues?

Answer: NCACDC membership dues range from $350 to $5,000 depending upon

Question: What is the definition of the various NCACDC membership categories?

Answer: Full Voting CDC Member – refers to those CDCs that meet the definition of a CDC and have as its primary mission real estate development activities. If your CDC meets this definition, there are three different dues categories based upon your annual operating budget.
• $0 - $74,999
• $75,000 - $199,999
• $200,000 – and above

Associate Membership – refers to all other non-CDC members. There are four such associate membership categories:
• Community-Based (CBO);
• Faith-Based, Non-profit Agencies;
• Intermediaries; and
• Private/Corporate Partners.

Question: How might my CDC get one-on-one technical assistance from NCACDC?

Answer: To the extent that NCACDC is able to meet a member’s request for one-on-one technical assistance we will. However, this type of assistance is usually very intense and requires a significant commitment of time. Therefore, we find that we cannot always affirmatively respond to every request. In these instances technical assistance is offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Question: How can I find out about upcoming events and who is able to attend?

Answer: Check out the upcoming events calendar on NCACDC’s website (www.ncacdc.org) or call our office at (919) 831-9710 and ask to be placed on our mailing list.