The Work of Opportunity
Updates
Sep 29, 2025
As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reflecting on America’s founding ideals—and asking whether the promise of opportunity still holds true today.
Featured
Media
Jul 29, 2020
Amid pandemic, NC women need better healthcare access
In an article for the Charlotte Observer, leaders from Upstream North Carolina reaffirm their commitment to ensuring equity in the state’s reproductive healthcare system and increasing contraceptive access for women amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media
Jul 28, 2020
Kentucky launches new program for young people transitioning from foster care
A Kentucky news outlet shares how the expansion of Youth Villages’ Lifeset program will assist young Kentuckians who are transitioning out of the state’s foster care system.
Media
Jul 26, 2020
Delaware transformed its health care system for women — here’s how | Opinion
Dr. Kara Odom Walker, former Cabinet Secretary of Delaware’s Department of Health & Human Services, highlights Upstream USA as a major contributor to the dramatic reduction of unplanned pregnancies in the state.
Media
Jul 23, 2020
The Long and the Short of Emergency Cash Grants
Philanthropy Roundtable highlights Family Independence Initiative as one of the more effective strategies for moving financial resources quickly to those who need them.
Media
Jul 22, 2020
Here’s how Bank of America is trying to improve economic opportunity in Charlotte
The Charlotte Observer highlights how a partnership between Charlotte-based Bank of America and Blue Meridian investee Year Up is boosting economic mobility in the city.
Media
Jul 21, 2020
Latest Effort to “Decolonize Wealth” Moves Cash to Hard-Hit Native Communities
Inside Philanthropy explains how direct cash transfer programs – such as the Native American Community Response Fund, a program of Decolonizing Wealth – are supporting disproportionately impacted Native American communities across the country.
Media
Jul 21, 2020
‘It really helps’: This program gives cash amid coronavirus to formerly incarcerated in New Orleans
A local New Orleans news outlet reports on how the Center for Employment Opportunity’s Returning Citizen Stimulus is supporting formerly incarcerated New Orleanians who are returning home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media
Jul 15, 2020
‘I am the future’: During COVID-19, low-income students fight to defy college dropout stats
USA Today reports on the heightened barriers to graduation for low-income college students during COVID-19 and highlights College Possible as an organization working to overcome those barriers.
Media
Jul 7, 2020
Year Up’s Shift To Virtual Operations
Forbes reports on how Year Up provided necessary supplies, financial assistance, and other support to students and interns during the transition to remote learning.
Media
Jun 10, 2020
Child Care and Early Education Providers Are in Crisis. How Are Funders Responding?
Inside Philanthropy shares how philanthropic funding is filling child care and early education gaps across the US and cites Blue Meridian’s support for Waterford UPSTART as an example.