Lockheed Martin, a global security company based in the US state of Maryland, has given a USD 30,000 grant to support the microfinance efforts of the Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA) [1]. Established in 1984, FINCA is a global microfinance network, which serves approximately 700,000 people through its subsidiaries in 21 countries [2]. The funding from Lockheed Martin will help provide loan capital for FINCA’s clients in Afghanistan and El Salvador and will support FINCA Haiti’s relief fund efforts following the January 12th earthquake. Mike Dignam, Lockheed Martin Readiness & Stability Operations President, was quoted as having said, “Microfinance loans make an impressive impact on the lives of impoverished people. We’re proud to support FINCA’s efforts to help entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, El Salvador and Haiti develop businesses that will sustain themselves and their families” [3].

By Conner Brannen, Research Assistant

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Washington Post: “Lockheed gives $30,000 for microfinance,” May 24, 2010:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/21/AR2010052104410.html

[2] MicroCapital Universe: “FINCA International”: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=FINCA+International

[3] PR Newswire: “Lockheed Martin Grant Supports FINCA Microfinance Programs Worldwide”: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martin-grant-supports-finca-microfinance-programs-worldwide-94260544.html

[4] MicroCapital Universe: “FINCA Haiti”: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=FINCA+Haiti

[5] MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Dr John Hatch, Founder of FINCA International, Discusses the Role of Microfinance in Disaster and Conflict Zones, May 17, 2010: http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-dr-john-hatch-founder-of-finca-international-discusses-the-role-of-microfinance-in-disaster-and-conflict-zones/#more-4784

[6] MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Citigroup Pledges $1m to Help Rebuild Microfinance Sector in Haiti Following January Earthquake, May 11, 2010: http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-citigroup-pledges-1m-to-help-rebuild-microfinance-sector-in-haiti-following-january-earthquake/

[7] FINCA International: http://www.finca.org/

[8] Lockheed Martin: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/