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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

#BeFearless

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 When DACA was rescinded, we knew we had a job to do.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

[instagram-feed includewords=#facesofdaca]

A year for bravery among new and longtime friends

    Fearless (S)Heroes

      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:


      And we will #BeFearless in 2018, too.

      We’re thrilled about upcoming projects to launch new immigration loan programs across the state of California – extending relief to people trying to secure green cards, TPS or become new citizens. We’ll also be launching a new design/tech/research hub – The MAF Lab – to help organizations like ours make research and tech development a priority in developing or improving programs. (It’s been part of our secret sauce for years and now we’re codifying it). Thank you so much for raging against the dying of the light – now and forever.

      WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR:

      STAFF  | BOARD | FUNDERS | ADVISORY COUNCILS | PARTNERS