History

The Northwest Ohio Development Agency (NODA) was created in 1998. NODA is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury. CDFI's are community based financial organizations that seek to expand access to capital and promote local economic growth by directly investing in and supporting under-served markets.

NODA's affiliate organization is the Fair Housing Center, whose primary purpose is assisting victims of housing discrimination. They are chartered by the State of Ohio. Each agency has its own separate charter and stands alone as an independent agency.

In 1999, the Fair Housing Center announced a partnership with a major insurance company that resulted in an investment pledge by the insurer. The partnership arose out of the resolution of a complaint filed against the insurer by the Fair Housing Center in 1997. The Fair Housing Center gifted the pledge to NODA. The pledge is being used to enhance NODA's programs of investment in the City of Toledo and Lucas County.