Austin-Based CDFI Celebrates 30th Anniversary and $1 Billion in Direct Economic Impact with Record Fundraiser and Historic Donation
Austin, TX — September 27, 2024 — PeopleFund, a Texas-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), proudly announced a $12 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through her Yield Giving initiative. The generous donation comes as PeopleFund marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of empowering historically underserved entrepreneurs and surpassing $1 billion in direct economic impact.
This historic contribution will accelerate the organization’s mission. The unrestricted capital will be instrumental in advancing PeopleFund’s new strategic plan, PeopleFund 2030, which aims to expand financial and educational support to underserved communities across Texas and beyond.
The announcement was made at PeopleFund’s 30th Anniversary Celebration and fundraiser, on September 26, which raised a record-breaking amount, underscoring the organization’s vital role in economic development. The event brought together key stakeholders, supporters, and community leaders to reflect on PeopleFund’s transformative journey and future plans.
“We are humbled and honored to receive this transformative and unexpected gift from MacKenzie Scott. Her generosity will fuel our efforts to break down barriers for small business owners who have historically been left behind,” said Gustavo Lasala, PeopleFund’s President and CEO. “This gift comes at a pivotal time for PeopleFund. We believe that together, we can move mountains to create a future where every entrepreneur, regardless of gender, race, or creed, has access to the tools and resources they need to achieve financial freedom.”
About PeopleFund
PeopleFund is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA Lender dedicated to providing affordable loans and business advisory services to underserved entrepreneurs in Texas. Established in 1994, PeopleFund has 30 years of experience serving the small businesses, helping thousands on the path to financial security. The organization serves the entire state of Texas from its offices in Lufkin, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Edinburgh, Laredo, El Paso, and Lubbock and it is proud member of the Veteran Loan Fund, a group of CDFIs supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their spouses across the U.S. PeopleFund has delivered over $1 Billion direct economic impact in Texas, having helped more than 5,600 small businesses that have helped create or retain more than 23,000 jobs.
Contact Information
Jenny Palecek, [email protected] Phone: 1 (512) 222-1005