Opportunity Resource Fund
OppFund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community development financial institution serving the entire State of Michigan. We are a catalyst for positive change, be it funding affordable housing, enabling job creation, supporting small businesses, providing affordable mortgages, or funding the development of great commercial spaces. While our name has changed over the years (you may have known us as Michigan Housing Trust Fund and/or McGehee Interfaith Loan Fund) OppFund’s entire team and Board of Trustees remain firmly committed to our mission, vision, and core values as we enter our third decade working for social and economic justice.
Our Mission
Opportunity Resource Fund provides loans to create equitable, economic and sustainable opportunities throughout Michigan – one person, one job, one home at a time.
Our Vision
We envision homes providing shelter for generations of families; successful small businesses creating jobs; and vibrant community facilities.
Our Core Values
Integrity – Ethics – Justice
… we treat everyone fairly, respectfully, and honestly and have the courage to do what is right.
Diversity
… we respect, support and value all people, ideas, and backgrounds.
Innovative Excellence
… we do things differently without fear while striving for exceptional results to exceed expectations.
Community Commitment
… we are engaged as a team working to benefit Michigan’s communities.
Our History
What began more than three decades ago as an idea – borrowing from those with money to lend to those without – has now grown into one of the most needed loan funds in the state, sparking change and promoting social justice for all. The long history of Opportunity Resource Fund is characterized by successful lending and the drive to make worthwhile investments in Michigan’s communities.
Two ideas, two paths, one future vision!
Planning began for Michigan Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) in 1984 via the Michigan Housing Coalition. A grant of $125,600 from Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) funded these crucial planning stages, which soon led to MHTF becoming incorporated in 1985.
In 1988, Bishop H. Coleman McGehee approached the National Convention of the Episcopal Church in Detroit with a plan for an economic justice ministry. With their help, the Bishop H. Coleman McGehee Economic Justice Fund was established in 1988, and later transitioned into an interfaith loan fund.
In 1991, MHTF reached a cumulative total of $1 million in affordable housing loans. This was a huge milestone for OppFund; their efforts were helping to raise the standard of living in some of Michigan’s most deprived communities.
The McGehee Interfaith Loan Fund and MHTF merged in 2004 to pursue the fundamental ideals of social and economic justice. Their merger formed the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund (MITF), a nonprofit fund that provided access to capital to nonprofits in low-income communities for affordable housing and community development projects.
In 2010, to celebrate 25 years of service and to show a renewed commitment to Michigan’s communities, MITF became Opportunity Resource Fund. We celebrate 30 years in 2015 and have plans for a wonderful Gala celebration!
