Circle Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the USDC issuer, has issued its first grants to two Community Development Financial Institutions: Accion Opportunity Fund and Pacific Community Ventures. The foundation launched on December 2, 2025, and operates as a donor-advised fund at Fidelity, with Circle covering all operational expenses.
The funding will support the development of AI-driven tools designed to simplify and accelerate capital access for underserved small businesses. While the specific grant amounts remain undisclosed, the initiative is part of Circle’s Pledge 1% commitment, which allocates 1% of equity, time, or products to charitable causes.
Accion Opportunity Fund, established in 2020, has provided over $1 billion in capital to more than 4.5 million clients, with over 90% coming from low-to-moderate-income communities. Pacific Community Ventures focuses on California, offering programs such as 0% interest restorative loans.
The Accion Opportunity Fund has previously received support from other digital asset firms, including a $15 million contribution from Ripple. This reflects a broader trend of crypto-native companies engaging in community development finance to promote financial inclusion.
