Advocacy

At the federal, state, and local levels, Woodstock Institute works with community and philanthropic groups, financial institutions, and policymakers to advance policies that improve the financial well-being of households, with a particular focus on lower-income people and communities of color. Our areas of focus include community reinvestment, consumer protection, predatory lending, mortgage access, and other initiatives that increase access to financial opportunity and help close the racial wealth gap.

Those interested in supporting our work can sign up for our Advocacy Network to receive news and opportunities to take action in support of or against a policy or proposal.

Consumer Financial Protection

We fight against a wide-range of abusive and deceptive practices that harm consumers.

Predatory Lending Protection

Woodstock Institute is committed to safeguarding consumers from predatory lending practices that drain wealth from individuals and communities. In 2021, these efforts achieved a vital win with the passage of the Illinois Predatory Loan Prevention Act.

Community Reinvestment Act

Woodstock Institute works to ensure both the federal 1977 Community Reinvestment Act and the 2021 Illinois Community Reinvestment Act are effective in their goal of advancing economic justice.

Mortgage Access

As part of our efforts to close the racial homeownership gap, Woodstock Institute aims to reverse the legacy of lending discrimination by ensuring Black and Brown communities receive equitable access to mortgage products.

Small Business Lending

Woodstock Institute advocates for all communities to have access to the financial services they need to build a strong small business sector.

Get Involved

Join our Advocacy Network to educate policymakers and others on initiatives that will increase access to opportunity and close the racial wealth gap in Chicago, in Illinois, and nationally. By signing up, you will receive news and opportunities to take action in support of or against a policy or proposal. This might be contacting an elected official via phone, email, or social media; submitting a comment letter; or something else.

WeProsper

Offering Help and Hope Against Predatory Financial Practices in Illinois

WeProsper is a joint initiative of Woodstock Institute, New America Chicago, and The Chicago Urban League. We offer free educational resources for lawmakers and the public with special focus on communities of color, in English and Spanish. WeProsper also supports efforts to create alternative wealth-building strategies in low-income communities through its research work.

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