
We knew this year was going to be different. And if you had told me that we’d be responsible for the largest DACA renewal fund in the nation, I would not have believed you. Our promise to “meet our clients where they are” was held to the test. When DACA was rescinded, we knew we had a job to do. And, just like our clients, we couldn’t let our fears stand in the way.
-José Quiñonez, CEO

We knew this year was going to be different. And if you had told me that we’d be responsible for the largest DACA renewal fund in the nation, I would not have believed you. Our promise to “meet our clients where they are” was held to the test. When DACA was rescinded, we knew we had a job to do. And, just like our clients, we couldn’t let our fears stand in the way.
-José Quiñonez, CEO

2017, a difficult yet inspiring year

A groundswell of resistance
From Dreamers taking over the hill to Muslim ban protests and Women’s Marches, it was an incredible year for rising up. We take strength from the resilience of our communities and the bravery of our clients who share their stories with all of us.

Binding us together
“In these times of orchestrated chaos designed to fracture the immigrant communities, I am pleased that we are becoming closer, stronger, there for each other.” Patrice Lawrence, UndocuBlack Network

A history of rising up
This year was a time for joining forces with fearless colleagues across all sectors. We know that if we work together and organize, if we feed ourselves with music, art and culture and remember a long history of rising up, we can hold onto the hope that we can find a way forward.
When the Trump administration said DACA was ending, we jumped into action.
LAUNCHED
rapid response grants in a matter of days
RAISED
$1,000,000 in 3 days and $4,000,000 over 24 days
PROVIDED
7,678 grants of $495 to dreamers across the nation
What we learned
This effort was the nation’s largest DACA renewal campaign – helping 7% of all nationwide DACA renewals.
#FacesofDACA
A year for bravery among new and longtime friends
Fearless (S)Heroes
Our impact since 2007
Our impact since 2007
$8,153,620 in 0% interest loans provided to 9,109 people
$1,642,527 that low-income communities saved in interest and fees
100+ NONPROFITS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES RECEIVED HIGH-IMPACT FINANCIAL PROGRAMS
8,477 DACA work permits financed
538 new U.S. citizens
In 2017
$2,902,063 in 0% interest loans to 3,114 people
2,000 hours of technical assistance to 40+ nonprofits
36,000 people received financial education & coaching
8% growth in client enrollment
$2.5M in DACA fee assistance grants to 5,078 people
Financials
A Fearless Circle of Support
As a DACA recipient told us, a check is so much more than a check. So many new and returning fearless funders stepped up to the plate to fuel our work this year.
Rising Up for Dreamers
When your supporters contribute more for DACA renewals than your annual operating budget in one month, you know you’re on the right track. We pivoted, and so did our supporters.
The Circle of Supporters is Growing
All nonprofits know “you must diversify to sustain” and we’ve taken that to heart. 2017 was a landmark year for engaging individual supporters – with an increase of 1078% over last year.
Investing in Hope & Dreams
In 2018, we have big plans to sustain our partner network while expanding our programming, with an emphasis on R&D and technology development. Here are key investments for 2018: