Prosperidad Oregon Launches to Build Generational Wealth for Latino Communities

“CDFIs are one of the most effective tools our country has ever created for expanding economic opportunity.” 
— Lisa Mensah, OCF President and CEO 

 A New Era of Opportunity 

Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs, are community-based lenders that provide fair, responsible financing to people and places that traditional financial institutions often overlook. 

With its certification from the U.S. Treasury in July 2025, Prosperidad Oregon will extend wealth-building opportunities to Latino individuals and businesses — through capital, education and community development support statewide, with a special focus on rural Oregon. 

Carlos David Garcia, Executive Director of Prosperidad Oregon

Prosperidad’s four pillars of support 

• Education & Workforce Development 
• Nonprofit & Small Business Support 
• Housing & Homeownership 
• Land Ownership & Acquisition 

“With our CDFI certification and the strength of our partners, we're proving what's possible when communities are centered in Oregon's economic futures.” 
— Carlos David Garcia, Executive Director of Prosperidad Oregon

OCF Catalyzed Early Groundwork 

OCF is proud to have supported Prosperidad Oregon from the start. 

Key milestones 

2019–2021: Funded the Latino Community Wealth Building Network with partners Meyer Memorial Trust and The Collins Foundation 

2021–2024: Grants through the Latino Partnership Program and economic vitality programs to support statewide organizing and the merger of the Latino Community Wealth Building Network with MERIT (Micro Enterprise Resources Initiatives and Training), paving the way for Prosperidad 

“Prosperidad Oregon is good for all of Oregon. This CDFI will be a dedicated financial engine that can grow alongside the aspirations of Oregon’s Latino community. Yet the economic benefits will stretch far and wide." 
— Lisa Mensah, OCF President and CEO 

A Record of Investing in CDFIs Through the Oregon Impact Fund 

Prosperidad joins a strong field of 25 Oregon-based CDFIs, many of which are supported through OCF’s Oregon Impact Fund — a $30 million fund that puts communities first and returns second. 

About the Fund 

• $30 million total: $15M in OCF endowment + $15M in donor commitments 
• Provides catalytic capital to Oregon-based nonprofits, tribal enterprises and social ventures 
• Focus areas: affordable housing, education, health care access, natural resource management and job creation in underserved communities 
• Invests primarily through intermediaries — funds and institutions that re-lend to businesses, nonprofits and individuals 

Why Prosperidad Will Succeed 

Courage 
Prosperidad’s founders didn’t wait for the perfect moment. They built it through five years of conversation, planning and trust. 

Proven Tools 
CDFIs have a powerful record of expanding access to opportunity. When banks couldn’t reach small businesses during the pandemic, CDFIs kept communities afloat. 

Momentum 
Prosperidad isn’t just launching a financial institution. It’s building a movement that will grow wealth and stability for generations. 

“What began as a vision has become reality through years of thoughtful planning and dedication." 
— Maria Caballero Rubio, Prosperidad Oregon founding board member and Executive Director of Centro Cultural 

Get Involved 

For Donors 
Support Prosperidad Oregon directly to expand access to capital for Latino entrepreneurs and families. 
[Contact Prosperidad] 

For Small Business Owners 
Explore financial services, training and support designed to help your business grow. 
[Connect with Prosperidad ]