I give to WI Microfinance because my donation makes such an outsized impact per dollar donated. Because the money is being lended, it gets paid back into the loan pool. This means that over time, my original dollars help countless people have access to the capital they need to start and build their businesses to support themselves and their families. Second, WI Microfinance is entirely volunteer run, meaning that a huge proportion of my donation goes directly to the individuals receiving the micro-loans. Lastly, I love that WI Microfinance gives people financial opportunities that they wouldn't otherwise have, allowing them to create sustainable income streams — versus traditional aid that is only helpful as long as it is flowing. If you're looking for an effective and impactful place to donate, WI Microfinance is the place!
Wisconsin Microfinance is a fantastic non-profit that empowers individuals out of poverty with microloans. Driven by dedicated volunteers, they create significant change in the lives of those in need. If you want to make a difference, consider donating to Wisconsin Microfinance—they’re truly helping people achieve financial stability!
Wisconsin Microfinance is doing incredible work by empowering communities through small loans that make a big difference. Their focus on long-term impact shows true dedication to lifting people out of poverty. I’m proud to support such a mission-driven organization!
Wow! What a cool organization. WMF is doing such incredible work around the world. If you want your donation dollar to make a huge difference in the lives of people in the developing world you could not make a better investment. Very low overhead and donation dollars quickly get into the hands of mostly women who want to do things to support their families.
Wisconsin Microfinance impacts more than just individual entrepreneurs, it changes whole communities! I was able to see this first hand when visiting our partner program in the Dominican Republic. It was extra special to hear their stories and support such a vibrant community. If you are able to join us in supporting our global community, please consider donating to our programs at Wisconsin Microfinance!
I have been a board member with the Wisconsin Micro Finance for over 10 years. It has been a great place to volunteer. I have had the unique opportunity to visit loan recipients several times on two different islands in the Philippines. My visits have been memorable and inspiring. Several of the loan recipients commented that the chance they have had with us to receive a loan would never occurred with any institution in their homeplace. They simply were too poor. Seeing first-hand the impact of a microloan was enlightening and increased my interest to try to do more. This is grass roots work and we have strong partners in each of the countries we serve.
As a board member of Wisconsin Microfinance since 2022, I am inspired by the work we do to empower individuals in developing countries through microloans. Our mission focuses on providing essential financial resources to entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional banking services. This support not only helps to build businesses but also cultivates economic growth within these communities. I look forward to growing our organization and helping many more people that are underserved.
I have been involved with Wisconsin Microfinance since March 2024 when I joined the Board of Directors. The vision, goals achieved, and proven success of a positive impact on the lives of loan recipients has continued to impress me. The organization’s dedication to continued expansion and focus on providing access to of capital to women is near to my heart!
I joined the board of Wisconsin Microfinance in early 2024 because I was drawn to their mission statement and values. Being a part of the organization has quickly shown me that the group goes above and beyond to improve lives globally. The group consistently puts the loan recipients first, and is constantly striving to improve ourselves in order to best support the people we service. I feel humbled and honored to be a part of this wonderful organization!
When I became involved with Wisconsin Microfinance a few years ago I was impressed by the ability of the organization to get small loans out to mostly women in the developing world who could start or grow their own small businesses. The intent was to help very small entrepreneurs with little or no access to working capital develop the ability to provide the financial resources to provide for a better life for their families and themselves. As I learn and experience more about Wisconsin Microfinance I can actually see how the families of the recipients do better including improved health and wellbeing by being able to afford additional food, medicine and the other basics of life. It truly is an amazing organization and can change the lives of so many with so little resources as a small group of highly dedicated volunteers. All I can say is this world is so much better off with an organization like this.
What a worthwhile organization! Even a small donation can have such an impact! Thank you to all involved in making dreams come true.
Wisconsin Microfinance is a wonderful non-profit organization that helps the impoverished out of poverty by providing loans. Dedicated volunteers run this amazing nonprofit committed to helping those in need. If you want to donate to a charity, Wisconsin Microfinance is the one!
Wisconsin Microfinance was brought to my attention by both family members and friends. After looking into this organization further, I was impressed by what they have accomplished and how they fulfill their mission. If you're looking to help those who truly are in need, donations to this organization go directly to them. I would recommend donating!
I was impressed by the mission of Wisconsin Microfinance. The volunteers on Wisconsin Microfinance are making a great difference in peoples lives internationally. They use donations to generate loans to those who really need it so they can become financially stable. Great Organization!
I was introduced to Wisconsin Microfinance by a family member. Wisconsin Microfinance is an incredible non-profit organization. It strives to help those who are impoverished by giving loans so they can provide for their families. If you are looking to donate, a small amount will make a great impact on those who are in need.
I have always been passionate about helping others and fighting for a cause. Wisconsin Microfinance provides an excellent opportunity to do both. WI Microfinance provides micro-loans to those in need. Their goal is to help the impoverished. WI Microfinance focuses on countries that have been affected by natural disasters. Something incredible about WI Microfinance is that 80% of their loans target women who want to start their businesses. Wisconsin Microfinance is making a significant impact with every donation made. If you are looking to donate, Wisconsin Microfinance is it!
I have been working with Wisconsin Microfinance for a couple of months, and I feel they have granted me the opportunity to help fight for a cause I am passionate about. Being a high school student and working for the great nonprofit that Wisconsin Microfinance is certainly a heavy workload, however much worth it. It is my goal along with many others on the board to shine as much light as possible on the fight against extreme poverty, and you should know your donations are in great hands with Wisconsin Microfinance. I hope you all can help as much as possible and thank you.
I have been involved as a board member with Wisconsin Microfinance for several years, and have been incredibly impressed by how the small nonprofit has worked to prove the power of microfinance in the developing world. By targeting 80% of loans to women, and operating in areas where there are no viable alternatives for loans (most notably the rural Philippines and southern Haiti), this organization is making a real difference. Even better, at least 90% of every donation actually reaches a loan recipient since the organization is entirely volunteer driven.
Wisconsin Microfinance is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in the developing world specifically, in Haiti and the Philippines but also educating Wisconsin on the global impacts of microfinance. The dedicated volunteers and board members embody some of the greatest values and they do incredible work in finding the best local partners and loan recipients. Wisconsin Microfinance's focus on empowering women, providing financial services to rural areas, and fostering environmental and economic sustainable development is inspiring. The case studies provided on their website show only a small glimpse into the extraordinary work they have done. I could not be more proud to have worked with them on marketing their work in the Madison community and sharing their vision for the role microfinance can play in alleviating poverty around the world.
Wisconsin Microfinance is a special organization. Targeting the loans to women, in rural, undeveloped areas, where there are no good alternative sources of capital. Its run by all volunteers and has been successful for the last 11 years. When the goal is economic development and raising people out of poverty, I don’t think any organization can claim to do more.
Wisconsin Microfinance is a small but mighty charity in Madison Wisconsin that provides micro-loans to communities in Haiti and the Philippines. It targets 80% of loans to women, helping to address the economic disparity between men and women. When these loans are repaid, the money reenters a loan pool for additional loans. Thus, a donation to Wisconsin Microfinance can make a difference for years to come.
Wisconsin Microfinance is the true embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea - bringing creativity and research from the University of Wisconsin back into the community. The organization is lean but makes big impact in both Haiti and the Philippines by providing microloans to female entrepreneurs who lack other access to capital. Wisconsin Microfinance has continued throughout the pandemic to do the work to reduce poverty by expanding loans and programming - understanding that need is as great now as ever.
Wisconsin Microfinance is one of the few organizations that is directly committed to helping the poorest of the poor. With a dedicated team of passionate volunteers, the organization leverages its resources and connections to deliver micro loans to the areas of the world that need capital the most. All they can do is to keep up the great work!
I was introduced to WM through a friend shortly after moving to Wisconsin. I have lived and worked overseas and I have seen the tremendous difference that a small amount of credit can make in the lives of people in developing countries - especially women in rural areas. Many on the board of WM also have years of experience working and living in developing countries and they are committed to making positive change at the grassroots level. I was so impressed, I joined the board!
Wisconsin Microfinance is a great Madison-based organization that helps so many across the world. They focus on poverty, women, and inequality by creating opportunities for many people facing barriers through a sustainable microfinance model. The Board are all very connected to the mission and the Madison community which really brings the two worlds together. Plus, they frequently involve students, like me, for professional and personal growth opportunities which is an additional benefit to Madison.
WMF does a great job reaching out to communities who would benefit from micro loans to improve their lives. Studies have shown that by focusing lending on women, more money tends to go towards a better life for themselves and their families and a more equal existence. They partner with local institutions in both Haiti and the Philippines to ensure the money goes where it's needed most.
I have been a board member for 3 years and have such great respect for the work Wisconsin Microfinance does. The organization leverages very small amounts of money to create opportunities for hardworking people around the world. If you're looking for a place to make a small donation that will have a big impact, this is it!
If you think of your donation as a seed, this nonprofit grows a perennial, not an annual. Donations fund microloans in impoverished areas of the Philippines and Haiti. Because loan repayment rates are high, a small donation keeps recirculating to help more people. Assistance by microloan, as opposed to gift aid, provides both opportunity and accountability. This amazing nonprofit is an all-volunteer organization run by dedicated people committed to giving those in need a hand up.
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This nonprofit is staffed only by dedicated volunteers wholly committed to the cause. They raise seed-money used to make small loans in impoverished areas of Haiti and the Philippines. These loans are made to small (mostly women-owned) businesses, and when repaid, the money is loaned out again to fund new ventures. Loan repayment rates are high so a small investment keeps recirculating to help people. Since it is volunteer-run, fundraising goes almost entirely to help those in need. It is a remarkable organization.
Wisconsin Microfinance provides micro lending services to those most in need. By specifically targeting communities with the least access to capital, it provides opportunities to individuals to get on their feet and escape the depths of poverty, without unjust interest rates and practices. Wisconsin Microfinance does micro lending the right way, and to the right people.
Love this nonprofit. Run by students and supporting women in Haiti and Philappines with micro loans. Great success. Love seeing the difference they can make in peoples lives.
This organization does important work in areas of the world that face significant economic hardship. By providing loans to individuals, Wisconsin Microfinance directly supports people who need financial support and enables them to create a sustainable source of income.
I’ve attended the Wisconsin Microfinance Gala at Harvest on the square in Madison Wi the last two years and it has to be one of the most impactful events I go to. Learning about the individuals and families that this organization directly helps is so unique. The speakers every year have been amazing and the meal and drinks are worth every penny. I haven’t even started on how good this organization truly is. With their loan repayment rate well above 90% there aren’t many organizations that match that. I would recommend attending and giving to this amazing nonprofit to everyone I know.
Microfinance is truly one of the best ways to empower people and help local economies. It has the benefit of helping people create something, rather than just distribute a handout which can actually hurt small economies if it takes away value from the local producers. Wisconsin Microfinance is exceptional in the way it deliberately seeks out communities who have been devastated by natural disaster to provide small loans to help rebuild their businesses and communities. The work that WI Microfinance does is truly needed and life changing!
WI Microfinance is an incredible nonprofit. They provide small loans to impoverished people whose countries have been devastated by natural disasters. This work is important, because when a natural disaster hits, the surrounding economies could be severely crippled. Traditional aid doesn't help build economies back up. They just aren't enough. Microlending provides access to capital to those who traditionally don't have access to banks or loans this allows people to work towards what they have lost. It gives people who wouldn't have much of a chance the means to recover after a natural disaster.
I am so incredibly impressed by this small but mighty non-profit that is providing such a tremendous resource to individuals in Haiti and the Philippines, helping them get on their feet through small loans that make a huge difference.
WI Microfinance is an incredible nonprofit. They provide small loans to impoverished people whose countries have been devastated by natural disasters. This is such important work, because when something like an earthquake or hurricane hits, the surrounding economies take a huge hit. Traditional aid doesn't help build economies back up, and in fact can have the opposite of effect of suppressing the ability of local farmers and merchants to sell their goods. Microlending - providing access to capital to those who traditionally don't have access to banks or loans - is an incredible and empowering way to help people to help themselves, and rebuild their local economies at the same time.
WI Microfinance was created to address the challenge to people in the developing world who have had their lives turned upside down because of a natural disaster. We have done great things in both Haiti and the Philippines, with well over 1000 people who have benefited from our loans. The organization is all volunteer run and all of the money you donate goes to new loans. Microfinance uses the power of commerce to help lift people out of poverty and is the only sustainable way to address the evil of poverty.
This organization is unique, simply put. I have found few others anywhere that the same characteristics as Wisconsin Microfinance. First of all, microfinance as a whole is a different sort of charity, as it allows recipients to keep their agency and autonomy, something few others do. Often charities will give people set options or procedures for betterment that are rigid and uninspired, and the more I learned about the organization, the more I got into it. With microfinance, small business owners can keep control of their daily lives, of their checkbooks, and of their own destinies. Wisconsin Microfinance specific, the organization uses a loan pool, which means that once a loan is completed, the money is recirculated to new loanees rather than back to the organization. How cool is that! So, with a 98% repayment rate, one loan becomes two, then four, then so on without any additional funds injected. This organization is truly special.
Once again Haiti was devastated by a natural disaster. I love that this organization comes in after aid is distributed to help the average person get back on their feet. Every country should have an organization that is committed to economic development, not just aid.
I love that this organization gives people an opportunity to make a BIG impact on someones life with what might otherwise seem like a small donation. A little bit goes a long way to empowering local entrepreneurs in communities devastated by disasters.
Just recently attended their first fundraiser with a sibling and my niece. At the table there was another family that had three generations that attended (daughter, mother and grandmother). It was a great event. As an Asian with delectable taste for all types of food, this was a great compilation of cultural and urban flare in not only Filipino food but the unique concoction of cocktails. I loved the one with a slight bite at the end. It was a great family event; I would do it again and so would my niece. But next time, we would invite more family members.
I recently attended one of their fundraising events with my brother and daughter. We were impressed of the fact, that the organization is 100% volunteered based and 100% of the donation goes to the micro-loan programs. We liked the fact that the organization partner up with the local country banking institutions as partners to screen the potential candidates. Wisconsin Microfinance really does maximize every penny received. Great JOB!!!
We look forward to receiving and attending more fundraising events with Wisconsin Microfinance.
I recently attended a fundraiser event in Milwaukee for this organization. I was impressed by the way they operate and that all money raised goes to help people help themselves. It is the best kind of leverage you can get from your donations. All volunteers. Great cause, geat organization..
Wisconsin Microfinance pursues poverty alleviation through the noblest goals, namely, empowering individuals through self-employment. By providing modest loans for startup and growth capital, microfinance provides an opportunity for people to build their own path. With Wisconsin Microfinance, the communities devastated by disasters but out of sight from larger organizations build a base of self-sufficient businesses. With an all-volunteer administrative staff, Wisconsin Microfinance is able to directly improve lives through even the smallest donations. I cannot imagine a more effective way for a nonprofit to be impactful.
I have invested in microfinance efforts with a number of organizations and understand how effective they can be in creating real change. I attended a wonderful event in 2015 in Madison Wisconsin where I learned about Wisconsin Microfinance's work in Haiti, a county that most definitely needs this type of program and one that it likely difficult to work in.
This is an amazing group that all started because of a Haitian student at UW-Madison who wanted to help his country after the horrible earthquake. This is primarily run by students with supervision by an amazing faculty member at UW Madison. This is a great way for the students of Madison to learn the impact $25 can make!
This nonprofit has so many unique and amazing attributes. Even though they distribute small loans to impoverished people, it is set up as a fundraising entity, so that the money can continue to circulate throughout the Haitian community, instead of coming back into the U.S. In addition, other than the board of directors, it is completely run by students and young people in the community, providing an amazing opportunity for them to grow. Finally, last year they threw an AMAZING Haitian gala fundraiser. The food and company were both stellar.
Wisconsin Microfinance (WMF) has an excellent system setup for providing microfinancing loans that requires little overhead, without sacrificing oversight, and has proved to be effective in helping climate disaster-stricken communities recover with dignity.
After Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, I was working with two other Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to identify ways to help communities recover. We learned about WMF, researched their business model, and after meeting with the Board President and Executive Director, decided to work together rather than try to create our own non-profit structure or do fund-raising that would donate to a large humanitarian aid organization. This has been a good decision.
The oversight of the Board President (also the UW-Madison Business School Professor who helped form the program with students after the 2010 Haiti earthquake) is a key component. His insistence on good record-keeping from the Haitian and Philippine recipients means that we know that our funds for microfinance loans will not be diverted.
Meanwhile, the solid work of the Executive Director (a UW-Madison student) has meant that details of funds management, website development, and outreach are being handled.
Their cooperation (focused on Haiti fundraising and overall program resiliency) with our subgroup (focused on Philippines fundraising) has helped families in the more remote areas of these countries receive funds to rebuild their small businesses.
Wisconsin Microfinance has done exceptional work in developing economies in Haiti and the Philippines. 100% of my donation went right to loan recipients, who used the money to start small businesses and escape poverty. Since I donated, the village in Haiti has opened a new health clinic, a market, and a school. Looking forward to seeing where they go next!