Overview
Starting in 2022, The Rockefeller Foundation supported (and later incubated via RF Catalytic Capital) the Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC), a groundbreaking collaboration that brings together unlikely partners — from corporate giants to community organizations, and with bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress — to help America’s small businesses access capital and customers.
Over the years, the EOC has made significant progress thanks to its ability to cultivate and lean on partners around the country united by a single vision of a country where every American can build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. As a result of this progress, the EOC spun-off as an independent entity in Summer 2025.
Our Impact
The Economic Opportunity Coalition has partnered with more than 30 foundations and corporations to invest in economically undeserved individuals and communities — including, Goldman Sachs, which created a $140 million warehouse credit facility for small business loan, and American Express, which committed $35 million in equity investments to mission-driven financial institutions.
What We Learned
Securing commitments wasn’t easy, but the EOC was able to overcome stigma and bring unlikely partners together to drive meaningful results. It opened doors for investment in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like Optus Bank in Columbia, South Carolina, which was founded with the mission to fuel businesses that create jobs and build a better future for their communities. Thanks to RFCC and the EOC, Optus has seen explosive growth, with its deposits increasing from $50 million in 2022 to $662 million in 2024, and has supported economic opportunities across 48 states.
We hope the EOC can act as a beacon for future changemakers by demonstrating how bridging divides and working together can keep the American Dream alive.