Award-Winning Programs
Our models and programs tackle the financial exclusion of low-income families. From no-cost credit-building loans to cutting-edge community research, we bridge the gap between diverse cultural practices and the mainstream financial system – all to help the financially invisible become visible.
At our flagship office located in San Francisco's Mission District, we directly work with individuals living in the San Francisco Bay Area. With organizational partners throughout California, MAF is quickly expanding its programs across the nation. We provide technological infrastructure and consultation to nonprofit partners to provide the benefits of our innovative models to other communities.
Lending Circles
Lending Circles are zero-fee, zero-interest credit-building social loans. By organizing low-income community members into Lending Circles, borrowers become lenders and lenders become borrowers.
Lending Circles for Citizenship
Lending Circles for Citizenship, a social loan and match savings program, helps remove the financial barriers to citizenship. Citizenship Tandas organizes low-income participants to save and lend money to each other to cover the cost of filing for citizenship. MAF provides a 25% charitable match to help meet their goal.
Lending Circles for DREAMers
Lending Circles for Dreamers, a social loan and match savings program, helps remove the financial barriers to applying for deferred action. Lending Circles for Dreamers organizes qualified low-income participants to save and lend money to each other to cover the cost of filing for deferred action. MAF provides a 33% charitable match to help meet their goal.
Security Deposit Loan Program
The Security Deposit Loan program transforms security deposits into a responsible savings and credit-building opportunity for disadvantaged young people struggling to obtain stable housing. Over a period of time, qualifying participants save for a security deposit on their first apartment, while establishing positive credit histories and credit scores.
Resources Match
Resources Match is an online screening tool that connects low-income clients with the services they need. And fast. That means you can get access to Food Stamps, low-cost checking accounts, housing and employment assistance programs in your neighborhood—all at the same time.
Research & Policy
Our Research & Policy work is about inspiring change at a larger level through cutting-edge research, publications and policy leadership - all in the interest of moving the needle to improve financial access, products and protections for low-income consumers.
