Who We Are

The Community Opportunity Alliance is a national nonprofit that builds the community development field. We create space for new ideas and perspectives to arise, shape and accelerate research, mobilize and channel resources, and advocate for continued change. Our mission is to lead the community development field and its partners in shaping and influencing strategies that advance community prosperity.

Local community development organizations work in underserved communities to develop affordable housing and commercial space, support small business development, and provide social services. The Alliance strengthens the field of nearly 6,000 local community development organizations and 37 state and regional associations. We are committed to creating conditions where residents can shape the destiny of their neighborhoods.

Our Theory of Change

We believe that a stronger, more unified community development field leads to stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities — and that communities thrive where there are strong networks of community actors.