The Opportunity Initiative & Opportunity Knocks on PBS

CDFIs are the backbone of a financial system that can work for everyone. They provide essential access, education, and support to communities that need it most. Big congratulations to Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners for the well-deserved recognition in this article—thank you for the inspiring work you do each day! Additionally, congratulations to CU Strategic Planning for your work culminating in over $1 billion in CDFI awards for credit unions.

The Opportunity Initiative is seeing a steady flow of awards for its groundbreaking work. TWELVE global and national awards as of this week! Our grant funded behaviorally designed media and technology is changing lives for everyone to see- and measuring the results.

We are thrilled to announce the start of pre-production for Opportunity Knocks Season 3 on PBS! ?? Join our search for inspiring nonprofits, foundations, CDFIs, and unique communities to feature! Here's what we're searching for: - Nonprofits uplifting communities through impactful financial education or support programs. - Foundations offering grants for financial literacy and economic mobility. - CDFIs making a difference with innovative financial solutions for underserved populations. - Communities with stories of resilience, growth, and collaboration to showcase and learn from. Let's collaborate to highlight these amazing organizations and stories that are changing lives. Share your recommendations below or send us a message! #OpportunityKnocks #Season3 #Nonprofits #FinancialEducation #CommunityDevelopment

The real impact is the lives we are changing!

People need financial solutions more than advice. That's why The Opportunity Initiative & Opportunity Knocks on PBS was featured in Salon.com today! Salon magazine's in-depth content has challenged conventional wisdom for nearly 20 years. Thank you, Melanie Lockert for including quotes fom Jamie Strayer.

Considered adding "budgeting" to a list of offensive words driving the people that need financial solutions the most away from social service agencies, nonprofits, and financial institutions. Who are the best budgeters in the world? (Think for a moment.)

This is the impact of The Opportunity Initiative and Opportunity Knocks on PBS! Thank you to our grant funders Callahan & Associates, Inc., BALANCE and the Wells Fargo Foundation and the National Council for Financial Opportunities. Thank you to all of the nonprofits, CDFIs and not-for-profit credit unions that allowed us to share the stories of your life-changing work. Columbus Works, Inc. Telhio Credit Union SBA El Paso District Office Pelican State Credit UnionSoutheast Louisiana Legal Services United Way of Southeast Louisiana Greater Washington Urban LeagueSkyPoint Federal Credit UnionCenter for Nonprofit AdvancementBECUSeattle Culinary AcademyLouisiana Center for Restorative Dentistry New Orleans Firemen's Federal Credit Union Money Management International GreenPath Financial Wellness United Way United Planning Organization Thank you to people without whom The Opportunity Initiative would not exist: Bonnie BlakeJonJean ChatzkyPatrice C. WashingtonLouis Barajas,SHIRLEY, Krista Sparacio,Jason Green, Michael Cyr Michael, Jamie JennAngieJill Williamson JeffNaderKevinJulieJill

Watch episode 201 of Opportunity Knocks on PBS!

Today, I had the privilege of speaking to the incredible financial professionals at the CFP Board about a topic that is so close to my heart: Making an Impact: Cultural Empathy and Execution As a first-generation Latino, I've walked the path from the barrio to Newport Beach and back again. Along the way, I’ve learned that real impact comes from more than just understanding finances—it’s about understanding people. It’s about knowing the traditions, superstitions, and cultural beliefs that shape how we make decisions, and executing on that knowledge to create meaningful change. In my talk, I shared stories of my father and community—how cultural misconceptions, like fear of “the Sancho,” can prevent us from making the best financial choices. But with empathy and action, we can break through those barriers and build a future for ourselves and the generations to come. Thank you to everyone who joined and engaged in this powerful conversation. Together, we can continue to transform lives and close the wealth gap by embracing empathy and executing with purpose. #CFPBoard #CulturalEmpathy #FinancialImpact #LatinoEconomy #LegacyBuilding #FinancialGreatness

Who doesn't love seeing an underdog win! Especially when it comes to financial inclusion. So lets do this! The Academy of Reality Television nominated our grant funded economic mobility tv series on PBS, Opportunity Knocks, for the award of BEST FEEL GOOD SHOW of the Year alongside prime-time hits America Ninja Warrior, Shark Tank and The Golden Bachelor! Speaking to your heart, if you care about financial justice, we need your help to turn this underdog nomination from the Academy into a social impact award. Do you want to see the Golden Bachelor receive the Best Feel Good Show, or do you want to see real people whose lives have been changed by nonprofits and CDFIs? We can't win this without you. Vote now! Category: Best Feel Good Show Vote: Opportunity Knocks https://lnkd.in/gTuWisUn #OpportunityKnocks #Financialinclusion #FeelGood #cdfi #creditunion #nonprofit #personalfinance