My Nonprofit Reviews

What are the characteristics of a non-profit organization that has earned your trust, your energy and your dollars?

I look for a group that provides a compelling response to an important need. A group that can demonstrate that their program really is making a difference in a cost efficient, effective manner. A group that can articulate their mission and their theory of change in a clear, concise, well-considered way. A group with a proven track record of delivering results.

For me, Village Enterprise checks all the boxes.

Village Enterprise has been offering a successful graduation program to the rural ultra-poor in East Africa since well before anyone thought up the phrase ‘graduation program.’

I have observed their program in action, having visited with their staff and their entrepreneurs on numerous occasions. (I have traveled to East Africa to view Village Enterprise operations seven times in the past thirteen years).

I have seen the outcomes – children regularly attending school, mothers providing more nourishment, homes made safer – of successful small businesses. I’ve heard profoundly moving personal stories of accomplishments never dared imagined nor dreamed until Village Enterprise arrived in their community. Hope – a sense of a future that has promise - replacing despair.’

Flat out . . . their program works. Don’t take my word for it; others are taking notice, too. A quick internet search will find recent articles that speak to the impact – and cost effectiveness - of the Village Enterprise program.