A Brief Introduction to Opportunity International

About Us

We provide access to financial solutions empowering people living in poverty to transform their lives, their children's futures and their communities.

Our History

Opportunity International was founded in 1971 by two visionary leaders who were inspired to take action by their experiences with people living in extreme poverty.

Al Whittaker, former president of Bristol Myers International Corporation in the U.S., and Australian entrepreneur David Bussau sought a solution that would help people transform their lives and sustain their success.

Opportunity International was one of the first nonprofit organizations to recognize the benefits of microfinance – financial services for low-income people – in developing countries.

It is a great privilege to partner with Opportunity International in our effort to alleviate hunger in Malawi and Mozambique. Opportunity's technology driven microfinance services help create a sustainable framework to increase food production and bring access to financing for thousands of hunger-afflicted people.

Robert W. Lane, Retired CEO, Deere & Company

Mission, Vision & Motivation

Mission

By providing financial solutions and training, we empower people living in poverty to transform their lives, their children’s futures and their communities.

Vision

Our vision is a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose.

Motivation

We respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and serve the poor. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of race, faith, ethnicity and gender.

Values

• Commitment to our clients and their transformation.
• Humility a spirit of serving in all we do.
• Respect 360 degrees of consideration and teamwork.
• Integrity living our values with transparency and consistency.
• Stewardship accountability, innovation, and urgency.
• Transformation our ultimate goal in ourselves and others.

Opportunity International provides access to savings, small business loans, insurance and training to over 5 million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. Clients in more than 20 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbors and build a safety net for the future. Opportunity International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and serves all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender.