Social Impact & Volunteering

Amplifying Our Impact & Empowering Communities

Apr 26, 2021 10:30 AM ET

Transparency is at the core of Oportun’s approach and integral to how we conduct business. Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations are woven into the policies and principles that govern our decisions. This includes our efforts to advance sustainable solutions for our customers and strengthen the communities we work in: 

  • 890,000+ - People we have helped to begin establishing a credit history. 
  • $10 Billion - Credit extended, to individuals living in predominantly LMI communities
  • 4.1 Million - Total loans disbursed
  • $1.8 Billion - Money saved by our customers in interest and fees[1]

Financial Health & Empowerment 

Financial health and economic equity advance the causes of fundamental human rights, and our commitment to making a positive social impact in this area is core to the success of our business.

  • Access to responsible credit in LMI communities: Since our inception in 2005, we have extended $10 billion in affordable and responsible credit to individuals in predominantly LMI communities. In that time, we have saved our customers more than $1.8 billion in interest and fees versus the other credit products typically available in LMI neighborhoods. In addition, we have helped put more than 890,000 people on a path toward financial inclusion by helping them begin establishing a credit history.
  • Investments in LMI communities and communities of color: Since 2016, Oportun has given at least 1 percent of its pretax income—totaling $2.6 million—through charitable contributions to nonprofits and schools, infusing a portion of earnings back into the communities we serve. Oportun’s charitable contributions program focuses on improving financial capability, expanding access to educational opportunities for youth, and strengthening LMI communities. Oportun prioritizes organizations that serve LMI communities and people of color; the vast majority of our historic giving falls into one or both of those groups.
  • Accountability: To help us maintain and strengthen accountability to the unique market Oportun serves, we created “La Voz,” literally “The Voice”—a consumer advisory board made up of a representative group of Oportun customers. We engage twice a year with La Voz to obtain feedback on research topics, customer service, and product innovations relevant to our business, and we brief our Board of Directors on their feedback annually. 
  • Financial education: In addition to the financial education that is built into our application and loan origination process, Oportun, through our nonprofit partner UnidosUS, has provided access to free financial coaching for over 2,300 Oportun customers and loan applicants. Customers tracking their financial progress have reported a total debt reduction of more than $520,000 and an increased total savings of more than $173,000. Through our partnerships with SpringFour and UnidosUS, we are able to provide customers with free financial coaching and connect borrowers to a path of financial wellness.

Since 2016, 1 percent of our pretax income is committed towards charitable contributions.

Since 2019, 48 percent of our total giving was directed toward organizations serving LMI communities. 

Since 2019, 63 percent of our total giving was directed toward communities of color. 

 

 

[1] Source: “Oportun: The True Cost of a Loan,” a study commissioned by Oportun and conducted by the Financial Health Network (formerly known as the Center for Financial Services Innovation), January 2017, updated as of December 31, 2020.

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