Tammy’s story is one of an undocumented single mother from Honduras who overcame heartbreak, COVID-19, and other challenges to secure a better future for herself
Amidst financial hardship and exclusion, immigrant families have shown incredible resilience and courage, utilizing entrepreneurship as a key financial strategy during the pandemic.
We designed the Immigrant Families Recovery Program to deepen not only our community relationships, but also our knowledge about their financial lives. Our research aims
We are honored to have the renowned portrait photographer, Annie Leibovitz, capture the image of our founder and CEO, José Quiñonez. Leibovitz’s work is well-known
With the Motley Fool Foundation, we’re uplifting the stories and challenges facing immigrant communities as they work to improve their financial security.
In the final episode of our first season, MAF CEO José Quiñonez sits down with Efrain Segundo, MAF Financial Education and Engagement Manager. They outline
In episode 3 of Cafecito con MAF, hear behind-the-scenes stories of how MAF launched the Rapid Response Fund from MAFistas Rocio Rodarte and Joanna Cortez
In our first podcast episode, join MAF CEO José Quiñonez and MAF Policy & Communications Manager Rocio Rodarte for the story of how immigrants, students,
Behind every small business is a dreamer, entrepreneur, and neighbor, each with their own story. This #SmallBusinessWeek, we’re taking a moment to share their lessons
While entire industries were shutting down during the pandemic, Cristina and her husband saw an opportunity to seize their dream. Cristina sat down with MAFista
Joleen learned valuable lessons navigating the financial system. She runs Lending Circles at UpValley Family Centers to help her community do the same.
MAF Awarded $45 Million To Support Immigrant Families During COVID-19 Crisis. It’s Not Enough. Congress Needs to Ensure that All Immigrants Have Access to Relief.
Read about MAF’s partnership with Citi Community Relations and how we’ve provided trusted, culturally-relevant financial education within the Ventanillas de Asesoría Financiera.
SB1157 offers a credit-building lifeline to low-income tenants living in subsidized housing, allowing them to report their rent payments to major credit bureaus so they
Immigrants, like other marginalized communities, are labeled as "hard-to-count" by the US Census Bureau. Immigrants, we found, were in fact the easiest-to-count.
Xiucoatl’s story illustrates the incontestable reality that art—in all of its forms—is essential to enabling people to connect with each other through empathy, shared space,
We're mounting thoughtful and relevant tools, resources, and campaigns that place people at the forefront of change and mobilizes them towards civic action.
The pandemic has exacerbated a number inequities within this country, including access to higher education. Even in the absence of a pandemic, so many students
The marginalized communities and hard-working immigrant families that we serve every day at MAF will receive, at best, pennies for each dollar needed because they
We are in the midst of a generation-defining crisis. The coronavirus is laying bare the interconnectedness of modern life, rapidly spreading and jeopardizing the health
On November 14, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a proposal to dramatically raise the costs of filing fees. The proposed fee schedule
MAF’s clients often turn to creative strategy to manage their financial lives; faced with barriers to accessing formal income opportunities, our clients innovate. One such
MAF is sponsoring SB 455, also known as the California Financial Empowerment Fund, which would create a $4 million fund to support nonprofits delivering effective
On April 30, 2019, I testified before the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee’s hearing on “Expanding Opportunity by Strengthening Families, Communities, and Civil Society.” This
Samhita Collur has held many roles during her nearly three years at MAF. Officially, she’s been a Partner Success Manager and Communications Manager, but she’s
At Mission Asset Fund (MAF), we never pass up an opportunity to celebrate our inspiring and all-around incredible community members. At this year’s MAF Summit,
Catalyst Miami is a member of MAF’s national Lending Circles network based in Florida’s Miami-Dade County. Through its diverse programs and services, Catalyst Miami is
The Trump administration blatantly targeted immigrants by rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on September 5, 2017. Shocked and angered by his
At this year’s Summit, we’re bringing together thought leaders from a variety of sectors – nonprofit, finance, tech, and social sector. We can’t wait for
Ten years ago, we started a movement in San Francisco, leading thousands of low-income and immigrants families throughout the country to become financially visible, active,
A third federal judge has issued a new DACA ruling. While the first two injunctions re-opened the program for the foreseeable future, this order is the
In this new political context, when our community told us that maintaining financial security was their top concern, we decided to invest in promoting self-employment.
In “DACA=Better jobs, stable families,” we explored the impact that DACA has on job opportunities and family security. With a work permit and the ability
In September 2017, MAF launched the nation’s largest DACA fee assistance program serving 7,600 Dreamers across the country. In a series of blog posts, we’ll
Mission Asset Fund is excited to launch new zero-interest, credit-building loans available throughout California to cover the USCIS filing fees for U.S. Citizenship ($725), DACA
The Trump Administration ended DACA on September 5, 2017, igniting a wave of anguish and fear in communities throughout the country. Since 2012, hundreds of
After September 5, 2017, MAF quickly mobilized to provide financial assistance to DACA recipients across the nation. Our campaign was inspired by our belief that
Pilar celebrates her one-year homeownership anniversary this year. Her home is a beautiful, cozy, and peaceful place in South Minneapolis. She recalls the warm and
Media Contact: (888) 274-4808 x206 marketing@missionassetfund.org $2,500,000+ Fund to Help Dreamers Renew DACA by October 5 San Francisco, CA – September 22, 2017 – Mission Asset
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: (888) 274-4808 x206 marketing@missionassetfund.org $1,000,000 Fund Announced to Help Dreamers Renew DACA by October 5 San Francisco, CA – September
She’s a bilingual UI developer and ping pong pro who’s passionate about using tech for good. Meet Gaby Zamudio, a bilingual developer specializing in UI
How you can prevent an immigration-related emergency from becoming a financial one Detention and deportation can have a huge impact on a family’s finances. What
She’s a MAF donor and Board Member who brings passion and creativity to everything she does. Follow our Champion Spotlight series, where we introduce you
The $725 application fee is keeping one million New Yorkers from becoming citizens. Building a wall, the Muslim and refugee ban, sanctuary cities, an uncertain
Mission Asset Fund (MAF) and the Mexican Consulates of San Francisco and San Jose have joined forces to support the economic empowerment of Mexican nationals
Building Credit & Confidence in LGBTQ Communities of Color Carla’s first experience with a lending circle came long before she began working with Brown Boi
Lending Circles round out the Game Theory Academy Experience Jasmine and Pasha’s friendship began during childhood, when the two girls were elementary school classmates. Eventually
The visionary Lending Circles program brings low-income communities out of the shadows. Today, the MacArthur Foundation announced this year’s class of MacArthur Fellows. Among the
Building Credit and Community through Lending Circles at The Resurrection Project Sonia arrived in Chicago from Puerto Rico one year ago with hopes to turn over
How DACA gave me the opportunity to help others & make my parents’ sacrifices count. Before Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was announced in
A conversation with a founding member paints a picture of what a new member-driven council will contribute to the Lending Circles program. It’s about keeping
MAF’s first Partner Advisory Council will provide an exciting opportunity to harness the insights of our partner network From our early years serving families in
CEO Jose Quinonez gives a behind-the-scenes look into MAF’s origin story in MIT Press’s “Innovations” journal. The following excerpt was originally published in “Innovations: Technology,
Introducing MAF’s new board members: Dave Krimm, Salvador Torres & Stephan Waldstrom Earlier this year, MAF had the pleasure of welcoming three new members to
A community of nonprofits is building the financial capability of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) immigrants across the country. When you bring together families,
MAF’s collaboration with UCLA’s Undocumented Student Center will bring Lending Circles for Deferred Action to more Los Angeles communities. A current Supreme Court case could
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating all the “MAF Moms” working hard to create better lives for their families through Lending Circles. This Sunday is a
A recent article from sociologist Philip N. Cohen underscores the importance of policies that respect the dignity & strengths of the families we serve. Last
MAF is inviting Los Angeles nonprofit organizations to apply to become Lending Circles social loan providers. Mission Asset Fund (MAF) today announces the Build a
From finding your next great relationship to paying for a special night out, having good credit is important. This blog was originally published on CFED’s
Jose Quiñonez, CEO of MAF, announces a three-month sabbatical, sponsored by O2 Initiatives. I’m taking a sabbatical! Thanks to a generous grant from O2 Initiatives,
MAF’s Hierarchy of Financial Needs provides a framework for evaluating every person’s economic well-being. Eight years into our mission to build a fair financial marketplace
JPMorgan Chase invests $1.5 million in MAF to expand Lending Circles further, faster. I’m thrilled to announce that JPMorgan Chase recently awarded MAF a $1.5
Kelsea comes to MAF with a passion for breaking down barriers to mainstream financial services. No stranger to new places, Kelsea McDonough has lived all
Elena’s passion for empowering communities and budding entrepreneurs makes MAF a natural fit. Elena Fairley is a brand new MAFista, but her connection to MAF
This recognition from NCLR helps us pave the way toward a fair financial marketplace for hardworking families KANSAS CITY, Mo.—At the National Affiliate Luncheon held
Lending Circles to Debut in Washington, D.C. to Help Individuals and Entrepreneurs Build Credit Latino Economic Development Center and Northern Virginia Family Service launch peer-to-peer
My journey from DREAMer to U.S. citizen with Lending Circles for Citizenship People usually celebrate their first anniversary with paper, but I like to do
Mi camino de Soñadora a Ciudadana, y el ahora aprovechar todas las oportunidades gracias a Lending Circles para Ciudadanía Las personas generalmente celebran su primer
Check out how Chhaya CDC is using Lending Circles to support their economic development curriculum. The temperature crept down to -1 degrees on the streets
With such a heavy focus on bringing organizations to scale, we’ve forgotten the power community holds. Growing up, Mia Hamm posters plastered my walls –
MAF is partnering with the Mexican Consulate to offer Mexican DREAMers an Exciting Opportunity. MAF is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Mexican
Bringing financial support to immigrants seeking Deferred Action With President Obama’s recent announcement on Deferred Action, the need to focus our attention on the financial
What is the secret to our partner Fremont Family Resource Center’s success? Find out here! Fremont Family Resource Center (FFRC) provides wrap-around financial services that
Alyssa’s passion for microfinance and community connections brought her to the MAF team. Alyssa’s steadied approach to discovering a place at MAF speaks to her
This December, support the credit-builders in your community. Here at MAF, we’re lucky to have the chance to watch incredible people use our products to
Thanks to our partner CLUES and a tight network of community nonprofits, we find lots of opportunity for credit-building in the Twin Cities Journeying to
Find out how Karla Henriquez, MAF’s brand new programs coordinator, injects her fun-loving and warm personality into everything she does. Unlike many MAF staff members,
An entrepreneur finds the secret to lifting up his business Javier began his entrepreneurial career in the United States with a carpet business. Now, as
As MAF’s Finance Associate, Jennifer asks the important questions. Jennifer is one of the most inquisitive people I know. Though she works on the Finance
An award recipient reflects on the meaning of success This week, the San Francisco Foundation presented MAF with the 2014 John R May Community Leadership
The San Francisco Foundation reveals the winners of the 2014 Community Leadership Awards This week, The San Francisco Foundation announced the winners of the 2014 Community
MAF explores the connection between urban planning and financial access. It’s mid afternoon on an exceptionally warm summer day in San Francisco as people begin
After months of movement through the California Senate SB 896 has officially been sent to the Governor for final approval. Mission Asset Fund is thrilled
Carmen, a Dreamer from Venezuela, shares her story and dream to help undocumented youth. Carmen Chan recently joined the MAF team as an Outreach Fellow through
Yale Sociology Professor Fred Wherry explains how money can complicate love. What makes life worth living also makes it harder to navigate: Love. We love
A look back on our incredible Google Challenge experience “You guys are not going to believe it!” Tara Robinson, MAF’s Chief Development Officer, said with a
MAF collaborates with CABO to expand Lending Circles in Los Angeles When the Assets & Opportunities Network convened in December, Andrew Chang and I had
Jan Stürmann, a videographer based out of San Francisco, produced four awesome new videos highlighting MAF’s programs and how social lending really transforms people’s lives.
Last month I joined Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) in Sacramento to introduce an important piece of legislation that will elevate the work of nonprofits who
Five years ago, we never could have imagined releasing this publication. When MAF first started it’s social lending program, Lending Circles, we had no idea
After participating in Lending Circles and Financial Education, Pablo figured out how to navigate the US financial system When Pablo moved to San Francisco 11
An exhausting work schedule motivated Luis and Zenaida to envision a different future for themselves. Lending Circles helped them get there. Zenaida and Luis reacted
Veronica reached her dream of owning a restaurant after participating in a Lending Circle. An immigrant from Mexico, Veronica came to Mission Asset Fund with
Small business owners Olivia and Javier started Eleganza Catering but needed Lending Circles to reduce medical debt & build their business Olivia Velazquez and her