Stories
Opportunity Ranked in Top 5 Microfinance Nonprofits by Philanthropedia
This week, Opportunity International was rated in the top 5 microfinance nonprofits by Philanthropedia, a charity-rating organization that evaluates nonprofit effectiveness through surveys of industry experts. To determine which nonprofits were making the biggest impact on microfinance at the international level, Philanthropedia surveyed 131 international microfinance experts with an average of 10 years of work experience in the field. As you can see from the reviews posted, Opportunity was…
Read MoreLocal Event: Investment in Women, the Power of the “Multiplier Effect”
On Monday, December 6, at the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, Ill., Betsy Perdue, co-chair of the Women’s Opportunity Network (WON), shared about the ‘multiplier effect’ and how it increases the social and economic impact of microfinance on women in the developing world, as she led a program called “Education, Microfinance and Empowered Women.” The concept of the multiplier effect is that for every $1 that is invested in Opportunity’s clients, we estimate that $1.47 worth…
Read MoreImproving Housing In Colombia
For many Colombians, heavy rains bring about serious challenges. Client Danilsa Maria Hernandez Ramos of Arjona, Colombia (center) makes a healthier home for her children through our roof and floor loan product. Nobody knows this better than Danilsa Maria Hernandez Ramos of Arjona. Danilsa’s traditional village home used to pool with water, turning her dirt floors into mud and creating an unhealthy environment for her children. Now, after a two-year pilot program,Opportunity has rolled out…
Read MoreOver 150 Chicagoans Gather at Schubas for Tunes for Tanzania
Last night, on Tuesday, Nov. 30, Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) held its first-ever Tunes for Tanzania. This was a benefit concert featuring local bands who came together to help raise money and awareness for Opportunity International’s microfinance work in Tanzania. Schubas Tavern, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, was packed with over 150 guests to support this great cause! With appetizers from the buffet in one hand and a drink in the other, attendees were able to mingle…
Read MoreThe UPS Foundation Awards Grant to Expand Opportunity’s Microfinance Services in India
Today, we announced that The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS, has awardedOpportunity International a grant in the amount of $100,000. The grant fosters economic literacy, as well as improves access to affordable microfinance services in India. “Opportunity International is grateful to The UPS Foundation for its dedication to helping impoverished families receive access to financial education and support,” said Dennis Ripley, our SVP of International Business Development. “Their…
Read MoreDick Hoefs, A Lasting Legacy
We give thanks for our dear brother, friend and mentor, Dick Hoefs, who passed away on Nov. 26 in the presence of his loving family. Dick supported Opportunity clients for nearly 25 years and served on Opportunity boards for 15 years, including as chairman of Opportunity U.S. in 1992 and 1993. Many thanks to Dick Hoefs, who passed away on Nov. 26, 2010, for all his years of service to Opportunity's clients. Dick’s faithful presence, wisdom and tenacity have helped guide Opportunity for many years.…
Read MoreWorld AIDS Day: How Does Microinsurance Make an Impact?
Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day. 2.4 billion people around the world live on $2 a day or less and of those only 80 million people have access to microinsurance. In areas where HIV/AIDS is prevalent, people often cannot afford the healthcare they desperately need. Campaigns manager Lydia Baldridge Meier interviewed Richard Leftley, the president of MicroEnsure, Opportunity’s microinsurance intermediary. She asked him to look back on his work and how it impacts those living with HIV/AIDS. Opportunity’s…
Read MorePepperdine University Welcomes Microfinance Loan Officer Susan Chunda
On Tuesday, Nov. 16, the Los Angeles chapter of YAO brought international guest Susan Chunda, an Opportunity Malawi loan officer, to share her experience with over 250 students on Pepperdine University’s campus. Students were lined up outside waiting to hear from Susan and the YAO-LA chapter about microfinance. Pepperdine students are especially excited about microfinance, as on-campus microfinance club president Rachel Williams and vice president Becca Faulkner have recruited over thirty…
Read MoreThe Power to Fight AIDS: A Mozambiquan Microfinance Client Shows His Strength
This week, Wednesday, Dec. 1 marks the 22nd annual World AIDS Day. Since 1988, it has become one of the most recognized international health days and provides a key opportunity each year to raise awareness, remember those who have been victims of AIDS, and celebrate progress in the fight against this devastating epidemic. We all know that HIV/AIDS causes incredible pain and strife around the world. In 2009, 1.8 million people died from AIDS, while 33.3 million were living with AIDS and 2.6 million…
Read MoreMama Rosemary Offers Hope & Education to Children Affected by AIDS
“Love for children is deep in my heart,” says Rosemary Namande of Uganda, affectionately known as Mama Rosemary. “God has blessed me with the ability to care for hundreds of them.” Forty years ago, Rosemary opened a school for infants in makeshift quarters. Today, thanks to tireless determination and Opportunity International loans, five permanent buildings house her elementary school and orphanage. Here Rosemary educates and cares for more than 900 children—many with discounted or free…
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