Blog

Leading through Philanthropy: Words from our Donors and Development Staff

Posted on Feb 21, 2018 by Alma Elizondo-Bailey

The impulse to give back is embedded in us all. The word “philanthropy” is a combination of two ancient Greek words: philos (love) and anthropos (humanity). This translates to “the love of humanity.” Philanthropy has come to mean giving, but this act of kindness is due to an act of love and desire to help others.

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Opportunity Fund Welcomes Michael Rapaport as Senior Vice President of Risk and Operations

Posted on Feb 21, 2018 by Jacqueline Heinrich

Opportunity Fund is excited to welcome Michael Rapaport as Senior Vice President of Risk and Operations. Michael brings 28 years of experience in lending, credit, and financial service operations to Opportunity Fund, as well as expertise in Big Data analytics to drive business performance. Throughout his career, Michael has been a committed advocate of consumer financial education and responsible lending, which guided his transition to the non-profit sector and, specifically, to Opportunity Fund.

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NewsFlash: Opportunity Fund Founder Eric Weaver Receives Jefferson Award for Public Service!

Posted on Feb 16, 2018 by Jacqueline Heinrich

Opportunity Fund was featured on KPIX-5 News CBS San Francisco this week as Founder Eric Weaver received a 2018 Jefferson Award for Public Service in a story that also featured #OpportunityFunded entrepreneur Alicia Villanueva, owner of Alicia's Tamales Los Mayas. The Jefferson Awards recognize "quiet heroes in the community," honoring those who have made significant impact through public service at the national and local level - and Eric has surely done that. Since founding Opportunity Fund in 1994, Eric has led Opportunity Fund to invest $606 million in small businesses, savings programs, and community real estate, helping thousands of underserved people in California and beyond-like Alicia, profiled in last night's broadcast.

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Opportunity Fund's 2018 Valentine's Day Gift Guide ♥

Posted on Feb 09, 2018 by Jacqueline Heinrich

Show love for your loved ones and your community by shopping the Opportunity Fund Valentine’s Day Gift Guide! By choosing Opportunity Fund businesses, you support the small businesses in your community, making your gift extra meaningful.

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Opportunity Fund's 2017 Annual Report Is Available Online: See the Impact of Your Support!

Posted on Jan 23, 2018 by Luz Urrutia

Thanks to your support, Opportunity Fund continues to advance the economic well-being of enterprising people by helping them earn, save, and invest in their future. Last year, we invested $66,474,447 in the dreams of 5,537 entrepreneurs and students. We also invested $30.6 million in three major community real estate projects that will create jobs and provide critical services to thousands more underserved Californians.

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Opportunity Fund Welcome Debra Engel to Board of Directors

Posted on Jan 16, 2018 by Jacqueline Heinrich

Opportunity Fund’s Board of Directors welcomes Debra Engel as its newest member. Having served on Opportunity Fund’s Leadership Council since 2015, Debra has been a committed member of Opportunity Fund’s leadership during important moments of recent growth and change for the organization. After working closely with Opportunity Fund as part of the CEO selection committee last year and getting to know new CEO Luz Urrutia, Debra decided to join the Board of Directors in December 2017, in addition to her role on the Leadership Council.

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The CFPB Must Continue to Protect Consumers

Posted on Jan 11, 2018 by Gabriel Villarreal

Strong leadership of the CFPB is critical to fulfilling its mission to protect consumers. Following the departure of CFPB Director Richard Cordray in early November, a battle over the directorship has commenced with different successors appointed by outgoing Director Cordray and the White House.

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Job Creation Program Pays for Itself

Posted on Dec 21, 2017 by Caitlin McShane

The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program survived tax reform passed by Congress yesterday. The NMTC program is safe for now and has continuous funding through 2019. A recent report by the NMTC Coalition highlights the economic benefits of the program, including job creation, and tells of how the NMTC program pays for itself.

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December Spotlight: Wholesome Bakery + 🎁 Opportunity Fund's 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on Dec 13, 2017 by Jacqueline Heinrich

Check out this year's Holiday Gift Guide, featuring #OpportunityFunded businesses with a little something for everyone on your list! When you shop locally, more of your money stays in your community. For every $100 you spend, $48 is reinvested locally when you shop at local, independently owned businesses, compared to just $14 at big box retailers. This holiday season, Opportunity Fund is your guide to using the power of the purse to build a more inclusive, healthier financial system.

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New Report Reveals Gaps in Access to Credit for Minority-Owned Small Businesses

Posted on Dec 04, 2017 by Jenna Boyer

Opportunity Fund is committed to serving entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds, businesses, and needs. We know that a small business loan can be the difference between a dream and an opportunity—but too many small business owners face barriers when it comes to accessing traditional financing. That’s why we were particularly interested in a recent report released by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland focusing on ethnic minority small business owners.

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