Program Information

 

Assessing the Impact of Our Microfinance Services

Over the last decade, Opportunity has conducted more than 50,000 face-to-face surveys with clients in africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The research showed that our clients want savings as much as they want small business loans, and their input has aided us in the development of a wide array of financial tools—including agricultural finance and rural savings, crop and health insurance, and school fee loans and savings accounts—to help them work their way out of poverty. PDFDownload PDF

Banking on Africa

Opportunity International has a bold vision to bring life changing financial services to five million impoverished people in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. PDFDownload PDF

Board of Governors

Opportunity International’s Board of Governors is a community of people who want to change the world by providing the microfinance services people need to work their way out of poverty. PDF Download PDF

The Case for Support: Bringing Opportunity to Women

Women represent an estimated 70% of those living on less than $2 a day. They suffer most from the chronic effects of poor nutrition, insufficient access to healthcare and limited educational opportunities. And they comprise the majority of victims of forced labor, gender violence, and legal and cultural inequities. PDF Download PDF

Endorsements

“Caterpillar Foundation is proud to support Opportunity International’s efforts to build sustainability through entrepreneurship in developing countries.” --Will Ball, Vice President, Caterpillar Foundation PDF Download PDF

Gift Planning

Opportunity International provides supporters with complimentary and confidential planning expertise to benefit their families and to make a difference in the world. PDF Download PDF

Highlights

Opportunity International stands alongside over 2.5 million clients with a mission to provide those tools—the financial products, educational programs and business training they need to move beyond poverty and build a more stable, secure and fulfilling life. PDF Download PDF

Technology

Technology is a critical tool in Opportunity International’s delivery of loans, savings and insurance products to those who have little or no access. Opportunity uses technology to reduce transaction costs and break down barriers such as geographic isolation, illiteracy and prohibitive transportation expenses. PDF Download PDF

Trust Groups

Members meet weekly to receive training in business practices, interpersonal relationships and healthcare issues. They benefit from deep connections with their group and loan officers as they experience previously unimaginable growth in their lives. PDF Download PDF

Women's Opportunity Network

The Women’s Opportunity Network (WON) is a dynamic network of women supporters and staff committed to helping Opportunity International reduce poverty in the developing world. WON invests in the lives of women around the world who use Opportunity’s microfinance services to transform their lives, their children’s lives and their communities. PDF Download PDF

Young Ambassadors for Opportunity

Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) is a network of passionate, globally-minded young professionals who are dedicated to providing economic opportunities for people living in chronic poverty. YAO inspires, educates, and involves younger generations in the power of microfinance and the mission of Opportunity International. PDFDownload PDF

Building Access to Savings

There is a large unmet demand for savings among the poor. Fewer than 10 percent of those living on less than $2 a day have access to safe and secure deposit accounts. That’s why Opportunity International operates regulated banks that provide secure, interest-bearing savings accounts to impoverished people. PDFDownload PDF

Insuring Against Life’s Risks

What our clients need is a better way to protect themselves when tough times arrive. That’s why Opportunity banks and financial institutions partner with our wholly-owned microinsurance subsidiary, MicroEnsure, or with local insurance providers, to provide products that reduce our clients’ vulnerability. PDFDownload PDF

Client Protection Principles

Opportunity understands that not every impoverished person needs a loan. Our broad-based approach includes providing access to short- and long-term savings, insurance, training, and business-specific financing in agriculture, commerce and small manufacturing.PDFDownload PDF