Beneficial State Foundation

Beneficial State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to change the banking system for good. For decades banks have damaged our communities and our planet, accelerating both economic inequality and environmental disaster. This harmful way of banking must stop and our strategy to both demonstrate and reshape banking practices and behaviors reflects the multi-pronged approach we take to systems change. In partnership with our communities and our allies, Beneficial State Foundation works to transform the banking industry in two ways: as a banking system change agent and advocate, and as a bank owner, investor, and practitioner.

As a systems change agent, we engage in policy and regulatory advocacy, banking industry relations, and field building to support, convene, and build capacity with equitable banking partners.  As a bank owner, investor, and practitioner, we develop and test equitable banking standards and metrics. We measure the social and environmental impact of Beneficial State Bank. We also house California’s Clean Vehicle Program.

We are a small but effective team grounded in social justice and strong core values. You can read more about Beneficial State Foundation’s core values here.

We have offices in Oakland (headquarters) and Fresno, California and Portland, Oregon.