May 5, 1992
Founded by John Hope Bryant in the days after the April 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles.
Operation HOPE is a national nonprofit, headquartered in Atlanta, that helps low- and moderate‑income Americans build financial health. Its coaching is free to every client.
Operation HOPE treats financial literacy as a civil-rights issue. Its founder calls the work "silver rights": the freedom to understand money and use it to build a stable life.
The organization draws on the history of the Freedman’s Bank as an early lesson in why that freedom matters.
The community model: Financial Wellbeing Coaches working inside partner bank branches and community sites, with virtual coaching for everyone else.
American Banker named HOPE Inside its Innovator of the Year in 2016.
Operation HOPE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It has completed a SOC 2® Type 2 examination, and Charity Navigator has rated it four stars for 11 consecutive years, through 2024.
1992
Founded on May 5, after the civil unrest in Los Angeles
2016
HOPE Inside named Innovator of the Year by American Banker
2017
HOPE Inside Puerto Rico begins after Hurricanes Irma and Maria
2020
One Million Black Businesses launches in October
2023
HOPE Inside Maui begins after the wildfires
2026
The 12th HOPE Global Forums, Atlanta, December 2–3
Mentors and subject specialists share what they know. Tell us how you would like to help.
VolunteerBring a HOPE Inside location or a workplace program to your bank, company or community.
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