Bhavani Daryanani named Nonprofit Finance Fund CFO

Indian American executive has over 20 years of experience in community development finance and innovation to drive social change

By Arun Kumar

Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), a lender, consultant, and advocate for community organizations, has appointed Indian American executive Bhavani Daryanani as Chief Financial Officer after serving as interim CFO for three months. She will oversee NFF’s financial policies, planning, accounting, and reporting, the New York based non profit announced in a media release.

Daryanani has more than 20 years of experience in the sector, bringing deep expertise in community development finance and using financial strategy and innovation to drive economic equity and social change, according to a press release.

READ: 10 Indian American chefs among James Beard Awards semifinalists (January 24th, 2025) 

“Bhavani quickly earned our trust and admiration, and we are thrilled to have her join as a permanent member of our team,” said Aisha Benson, President and CEO of NFF. “Her bold vision and technical acumen will serve NFF and our clients well.”

Daryanani’s previous roles include Interim CFO at Capital for Change, Chief Operating Officer at Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, and Managing Director at Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. She held senior positions at Deutsche Bank and MetLife Real Estate Investment Management and was a graduate program professor at New York University.

She currently serves on the boards of Connecticut Housing Partners, an affordable housing developer, and Community Vision, a community development financial institution based in San Francisco.

“For decades, NFF has deployed capital and consulting to help nonprofits meet evolving opportunities and challenges, and has used its expertise to advocate for systemic improvements to the way we fund social good,” said Daryanani. “I’m excited to join NFF’s experienced and passionate team.”

The appointments come as NFF’s portfolio continues to grow amid significant philanthropic support, CDFI Fund and New Markets Tax Credit allocations, and the launch of a dedicated loan fund backing community ownership of assets, according to the release

Bhavani’s passion for impact investing and commitment to addressing inequities in housing, education, healthcare, and wealth creation make her an ideal addition to our mission-driven team, it stated.

Bhavani also volunteers for Heart and Hand for the Handicapped and is involved with groups like the Urban Land Institute, Opportunity Finance Network, Commercial Real Estate for Women, and the Mortgage Bankers Association.