Program: Purpose: Amount: Term: Start date: Location:

Microfinance Proving acceleration and reach of microfinance through technology $1.2 million Two years January 2010 Global

Why We Partnered

Founded in 1997, the mission of Grameen Foundation USA (GF) is to enable the poor, especially the poorest, to create a world without poverty. GF works with microfinance institutions (MFIs) across the world and is well-regarded for its commitment to providing microfinance tools and resources for the industry, such as social performance measurement through the Progress-Out-of-Poverty Index™ (PPI™) and technology solutions.

The program will document the value proposition of technology-enabled microfinance through the implementation of Mifos™, an open source management information system for microfinance. This will be done through a demonstration project involving four MFIs to improve the scale of their operations and expand their products and outreach to poor clients over two years. The project will also create a consortium of seven MFIs deploying Mifos to enable learning and strengthen technical assistance for this open technology approach.

Anticipated Impact

• Document a positive return on investment for four MFIs
• Demonstrate the robust functionality, ease-of-implementation, and cost-effectiveness of an open source MIS and supporting community
• Show the value of an open platform in building cross-connections with other information and capital sources