Financial Opportunity Center® Resources
Financial Opportunity Center® Resources

Getting Started

Financial Opportunity Center® (FOC) sites offer more complex programs than many organizations have provided in the past. The resources section provides staff at partner organizations running an FOC programs with a mix of materials, websites and other resources. These resources can be useful to practitioners working with clients, administrators who keep the programs running, or both. 

A Financial Opportunity Center® site, in its inherent design, requires an organization or program to provide integrated programming to clients, which often requires a complex, intentional process and organizational structure. Use these resources to help you plan for an efficient and effective integrated service delivery model that supports client success and operational excellence.

Launching a new FOC program takes time, intention, and money. Here's a general timeline and overview of the three phases of planning and piloting to launch your FOC programming

Planning to Launch
(3 months)

  • Community Assessment, Mapping, and Planning
  • Fundraise 
  • Buy-in from Board and Senior Leadership
  • Administrative and HR preparation and planning
  • Identify FOC programming goals and planned outcomes

Staff Onboarding and Training (3 months) 

  • Introduce FOC model to all staff in more detail
  • Cross train all staff on core integrated services and financial products and tools
  • LISC staff facilitates Client Flow Training
  • LISC staff facilitates Salesforce Training
  • Develop aligned and strategic messaging for various audiences
  • Develop official supportive partnerships and engage community

Pilot FOC Programming 
(3-6 months)

  • Pilot Client Flow with targeted core group
  • Assess efficacy, seek feedback and evaluate initial data
  • Adjust programs, processes, and procedures and test
  • After second round of piloting and adjustments, expand FOC services to full program. 

Thinking about starting a Financial Opportunity Center® site? In the middle of planning? Read these key initial resources to understand the core framework and approach of the model.