JPMorgan Chase has committed $30 billion to help close America’s racial wealth gap. “Systemic racism is a tragic part of America’s history,” said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan. I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Dimon and inasmuch, funding for the UPI Loan Fund (including tax-deductible donations is being sourced from those who have chosen to “do the right thing” in making a positive “long-term” financial commitment to those who have been both systemically marginalized and victimized. Our financial support comes from banks, credit unions, foundations, municipalities, corporations, small businesses, professional sports teams, athletes, entertainers, churches, individuals, and civic organizations. Likewise, we reach out to communities through word-of-mouth and media. We have boots on the ground to connect with places of worship, community centers, companies, city governments, and organizations within identified census-tract areas. These outreach efforts help to ensure that we connect with all people who seek a loan especially the unbanked, under-banked, low-to-moderate income communities as we articulate the UPILF Behavioral Financial-Lending practices and Behavioral financial-Wellness services that are available through our cadre of professional, financial, and behavioral team members.

As the first African American-established and African American-led Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF) and emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) within the state of Arizona, our mission is to provide structural financial education, unparalleled service, and a variety of top quality loan options and products at affordable interest rates and under certain circumstances at “no-interest” rate (similar to the Jewish Free Loan). Our initial focus is to provide consumer and personal loans, as we expand toward providing community business and real estate loans as well. We look to help those with healthcare expenses, criminal justice costs, educational and job-related expenses, including emergency expenses that can sabotage everyday life. We take pride in this endeavor and hope that our path will not only bring comfort and joy to the lives that we help, so they become our biggest supporters, but we also hope that our work will serve as a beacon to attract additional partners, donors, grantors and investors who will enable us to exponentially expand our capabilities and outreach. Thank you in advance for your support! Together we will create positive systemic changes!