Opportunity Fund

Opportunity Fund is focused on helping to improve the lives of working people in the San Fransisco Bay Area by helping them to earn, save and invest in their futures.

"By investing in those who don't have ready access to financial resources, we strive to break the cycle of poverty for good," its Web site states. Opportunity Fund is registered with the U.S. Treasury Department as a Community Development Bank works primarily in four California counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco and Alameda. It also funds loans through Kiva.

Working with banks in those counties, Opportunity Fund originated $1.96 million in small business loans in 2009. As of June 30, 2009, 17 area banks had committed to fund loans through Opportunity Fund. Loans are made in amounts between $1,000 and $10,000, at fixed interest rates ranging from 8% to Prime Plus 5%, and for terms of up to seven years.

This not-for-profit corporation also administers affordable housing financing in local communities, as well as matched savings and financial education programs for individuals.

Prior to becoming a Community Development Lender, Opportunity Fund was a private firm known as Lenders for Community Development.

More than 800 million adults with bank accounts live on less than $5 a day

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