Opportunity International
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I have supported OI with monthly donations since the 1990s. I first heard of microfinance and OI through a book called "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger". That book sold me on microfinance, and the integrity of OI sold me on it. I have watched it grow over the years with a business savvy and yet laser-focus on mission that is unparalleled. It is consistently on the cutting edge of technology in finding more efficient and more effective ways to serve the poor, and it is highly transparent and communicative about what it does with its money.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching its years of progress, growth, and commitment.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give it a higher industry profile.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
its Christian motivation, its focus on women
Why did you make your donation at this time?
Learning about microfinance, OI, and the Agra Covenant, a giving commitment.
What would you tell others about this organization?
It excels what it does, and does only that which it can do well.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I became very involved with Opportunity International through a Board of Governor's member in 2005, and became a donor and Board of Governor's member myself shortly thereafter. I am very passionate about the eradication of poverty. After many years of trial and error, training/technology based models of microfinance appear to be a viable solution and potentially a major breakthrough to economic development in many parts of the third world.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Meeting with Opportunity's loan recipients.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make it non-denominational.
Opportunity International takes a business approach to micro lending which makes it one of the most efficient, yet compassionate, organizations in this space. All the money is used to help individuals in third world countries build viable small businesses that create jobs and economic vitality.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have given thousands of dollars to this organization because I believe in its mission to provide microfinance services to the working poor in the developing world. I also believe that giving loans to people to start or build a business is the best way to help them lift themselves out of poverty. I have seen firsthand the effects of a loan on the lives of Opportunity International clients. With their business profits, they feed their children more nutritious foods, send them to school, upgrade their housing and begin saving money to increase their security. They also take leadership roles in their community and have a newfound sense of self worth. I'm also impressed with Opportunity's stewardship of the money I give them. Every $100 I give is multiplied to $274 for the poor. One reason is that the loan money is paid back and then recycled again and again to help more people. This is one organization that I feel very comfortable recommending to people who want to make a difference in the world. Opportunity is truly transforming lives -- over 1.24 million last year.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the lives of the poor.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting actual clients who have benefited from Opportunity International loans, business training, savings and microinsurance programs. Getting a loan has truly transformed their lives.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing. They truly have hearts for the poor and really want to make a difference in their lives.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help lift thousands more people out of poverty.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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