VisionFund International, a US-based nonprofit subsidiary of UK-based Christian humanitarian organization World Vision, recently announced that its fund size has surpassed USD 400 million. VisionFund’s communications director, Dianne Lowther, stated that, “around 43 percent of people in developing nations live on less that USD 2 a day. Providing access to financial services is one of the most effective ways to help the poor cope with poverty and move from survival to planning for the future.”

VisionFund offers small loans as well as business training and support to approximately 800,000 small businesses in 36 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The average loan size is USD 606, and 68 percent of borrowers are women. Founded in 1950, World Vision raised USD 2.79 billion in cash and in-kind gifts during 2011.

By Sarah Benali, Research Associate

About VisionFund International
VisionFund, a US-based nonprofit organization, offers financial services to families living in poverty in the developing world through a network of microfinance institutions in 36 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Its services include small loans and business training and support. VisionFund is part of UK-based World Vision, a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization. In 2012, the VisionFund loan portfolio exceeded USD 400 million helping approximately 800,000 small businesses in developing nations.

About World Vision
Founded in 1950, World Vision is a UK-based Christian humanitarian organization that aims to support families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves poor people worldwide regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. The organization operates microfinance institutions through its US-based subsidiary VisionFund International. World Vision raised USD 2.79 billion in cash and in-kind gifts during 2011.

Sources and Additional Resources

Information submitted to MicroCapital by VisionFund International.

MicroCapital.org story: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: ResponsAbility loans $1.2m to Caja Municipal de Ahorro y Credito de Maynas of Peru, Disburses Frist Tranche of %15m Loan to VisionFund International,” November 8, 2012, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-responsability-loans-1-2m-to-caja-municipal-de-ahorro-y-credito-de-maynas-of-peru-disburses-first-tranche-of-15m-loan-to-vision-fund-international/

MicroCapital.org story: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: VisionFund International Releases Three-Year Plan to Improve Lives of 3.5m Children,” June 12, 2012, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-visionfund-international-releases-three-year-plan-to-improve-lives-of-3-5m-children/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: VisionFund International
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=VisionFund+International

MicroCapital Universe Profile: World Vision
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=World+Vision

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