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© 2026 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.
Headquarters: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60606

News Blog

ONE Blog: “Cada madre cuenta!”

by Opportunity International

In honor of World AIDS Day this month, celebrity activist Christy Turlington Burns reports on her ongoing work with (RED) and the ONE Campaign on the No Child Born with HIV campaign. At Opportunity, we’re inspired by her commitment to improving the lives of women in the developing world with these health initiatives. The following blog post, ”Cada madre cuenta!“written by Burns, was originally published on the ONE Blog, and it is Burns’ final post in the three-part series: Model,…

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What We’re Reading: Dynamic Duos Champion Our Microfinance Work from St. Louis

by Opportunity International

Every Wednesday, we highlight an article, book or a blog in our “What We’re Reading” series. We feature works that are noteworthy, inspiring, educational or relevant to the work we do at Opportunity. We welcome your comments in the comment field below–-tell us what you’re reading, or respond to the piece we’ve highlighted. The following post is from our winter Impact newsletter, which you can find here. The piece is full of examples of how and why our supporters work so tirelessly to…

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Opportunity Ranked in Top 5 Microfinance Nonprofits by Philanthropedia

by Opportunity International

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…

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Local Event: Investment in Women, the Power of the “Multiplier Effect”

by Marisa Brown

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…

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Improving Housing In Colombia

by Opportunity International

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…

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Over 150 Chicagoans Gather at Schubas for Tunes for Tanzania

by Emily Blanco

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…

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The UPS Foundation Awards Grant to Expand Opportunity’s Microfinance Services in India

by Opportunity International

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…

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Dick Hoefs, A Lasting Legacy

by Opportunity International

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.…

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World AIDS Day: How Does Microinsurance Make an Impact?

by Lydia Baldridge Meier

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…

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Pepperdine University Welcomes Microfinance Loan Officer Susan Chunda

by Alison Oviedo

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…

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