Who We Are

Fair and affordable financial services for moderate and low income Vermonters is the reason Opportunities Credit Union exists!  Under its unique charter and mission, Opportunities Credit Union has invested nearly $200 million with individuals and families seeking to achieve financial stability and reach prudent goals such as homeownership, savings, dependable transportation, education, etc. by using its counseling-based services.

Founded in 1989 by the Burlington Ecumenical Action Ministry (BEAM), this award-winning statewide organization has been called a national model.  Its motto, “we don’t say NO, we say WHEN” symbolizes our willingness to work with all who seek our services, to date almost 19,000 individuals and households.

In the world of computerized banking Opportunities Credit Union individualizes each applicant and offers help if not immediately qualified for the loan or service sought.

Opportunities weds the need for our fair and affordable banking services to deposits from socially concerned investors who support our mission, knowing that we are a fully insured and regulated financial institution.  This win/win association provides an economic development engine that supports Vermont’s emerging consumer and business markets and keeps banking local.  Opportunities welcomes social investors.

The Opportunities Group

          Our full mission to bring financial opportunity to moderate and low income Vermonters takes more than just the Credit Union.  BEAM has been replaced as our non-profit partner by Opportunities Inc. and Opportunities Ventures; both 501 (c) (3) non-profits.

            Opportunities Inc. raises charitable funding to support the Group’s mission and is also our planning, research and development arm.  For example, a research study based on the theory of change and supported by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change documented the efficacy of the Credit Union’s counseling-based model.

            Opportunities Ventures provides financial and development services better done outside the Credit Union.  It houses special loan funds and addresses policy issues that can improve the financial status of our market.  It has helped develop state laws to enhance the ownership value of manufactured housing and make it easier to create cooperatives in mobile home parks.

          Opportunities Credit Union and Ventures hold special designations by the U.S. Treasury Department certifying that we are dedicated to enhancing community economic development at the grass roots level.  Both have received competitive awards by this office of the Treasury to build our capacity and enhance the important service we bring to the state.