The Power of Opportunity

Posted by Garfield Group on 28 December 2011 | 2 Comments

The mission of Opportunity Finance Network, the national voice of 170 CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) is to align capital with social justice. Learn why they were an exceptional choice to help lead the Create Jobs for USA initiative.

The American Dream. Opportunity. These are core values of our country — politically, socially and economically. The promise: any individual who works hard can improve their quality of life, improve their communities, and as a result, improve our country. The missing link: access to capital.

Unfortunately, traditional banks are often not able to provide loans to those in underserved communities. As a result, minorities and women cannot find the capital to fund their own American Dream — and the dream dies.

For nearly 30 years, CDFIs have focused on creating and funding opportunities that others miss.

CDFIs finance community businesses that often find it challenging to secure financing from conventional lending institutions. Combining innovation and determination, CDFIs are performance-oriented, responsible, and affordable lenders that spark job growth in the areas where it is needed most.

Thus far, Opportunity Finance Network reports that CDFIs have made over $30 Billion in loans. And because they are experts in what opportunities to fund, they enjoy less than 2% in loan loss rates — keeping investors happy, and creating a virtuous cycle that creates more capital for them to lend. The results are impressive:

• 60,261 businesses
• 635,528 housing units
• 6,465 community facility projects
• 298,511 new or continuing jobs

Learn how CDFIs multiply opportunity for all.

This summer, Howard Schultz, Chairman of Starbucks, frustrated by government gridlock, sought out ways the private sector could find solutions to the unemployment problem. Once he learned about CDFIs, Create Jobs for USA was born.

By purchasing an "Indivisible" wristband at over 7,000 Starbucks nationwide or online at CreateJobsforUSA.org, you are helping to create and sustain jobs in the USA. Donations go directly to Opportunity Finance Network, which then turn them into loans directed to worthy small businesses through CDFIs.

A donation to Create Jobs for USA is a great holiday gift for you, your friends and family, and, more importantly, it's a gift that can help the economy start growing again.

Stronger communities. More economic opportunity for all. Better lives for all. We are Indivisible.

Learn more about the great work done by CDFIs and Create Jobs for USA by visiting our holiday page garfieldgroup.com/holiday2011.