A Cause for Celebration: Releasing $1B for Waymakers Around the World

"A waymaker looks out and envisions where a road could be cleared, where opportunities can be created. They see a chance to go where no one else is going to help their brothers and sisters—to help clear the way, so they can make their way.”

Three years ago, Opportunity International began a bold journey to go where others can’t or won’t. To reach out to those who have been left out or left behind. To help families build sustainable livelihoods, send their children to school, and create opportunities for themselves and their neighbors.

Our goals were audacious:

• Providing business loans to 3 million more clients
• Empowering 1.7 million farmers and their families
• Helping 8.3 million more children access high-quality education
• And ultimately, reaching 25 million more people working their way out of extreme poverty

For three years, we have shared this vision and reminded one another that a waymaker not only dreams of a world without devastating poverty, they know that they will make it so.

You have made it so. 

I am thrilled to share that we have successfully met our Waymakers Campaign fundraising goal. Together, over the past three years, we raised $101 million, which will be multiplied through our financial leverage model to release over $1 billion of resources to the most vulnerable, hardworking households around the globe.

These funds are now enabling us to reach an additional 25 million people—including farmers, microbusiness owners, youth, refugees, educators, and school children ready to build bright futures.

You all are a central part of this incredible accomplishment. Thank you for saying yes, for taking a risk, and for being a waymaker. We could not do it without you!

What a joy and honor to be part of this work with you.