About Operation HOPE
Since 1992, working for financial dignity
One light in Los Angeles in 1992. Today, coaches in communities across the country and online.
Our story
Operation HOPE was founded on May 5, 1992, immediately after the April 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles. Its founder, John Hope Bryant, still leads it as Founder, Chairman and CEO.
It is a national nonprofit, headquartered in Atlanta, that helps low- and moderate-income Americans build financial health. Its coaching is free to clients and paid for by corporate, financial, government and donor partners.
1992
Founded in Los Angeles on May 5.
Founder, Chairman and CEO: John Hope Bryant
Silver rights
HOPE treats financial literacy as a civil rights issue, because people who do not understand money cannot take full part in the economy.
It calls the cause silver rights: economic dignity and opportunity, built one family and one community at a time.
The HOPE Inside model
Coaches work inside partner bank branches and community sites, so help is close to home, and they work online for everyone else.
American Banker named HOPE Inside its 2016 Innovator of the Year.
Milestones
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1992
Founded in Los Angeles on May 5.
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2016
HOPE Inside named American Banker’s Innovator of the Year.
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2017
HOPE Inside Puerto Rico begins after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
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2020
One Million Black Businesses launches, aiming for one million by 2030.
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2023
HOPE Inside Maui begins after the wildfires.
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2026
The 12th HOPE Global Forums, December 2–3 in Atlanta.
Accountable by design
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Charity Navigator
Four stars for 11 consecutive years, as of its 2024 rating.
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SOC 2® Type 2
HOPE has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 examination of its controls.
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501(c)(3) nonprofit
Gifts to Operation HOPE are tax-deductible under U.S. law.
Join the work
Volunteer your skills, or bring HOPE Inside to your bank, company or community.