To qualify for the award, an MFI must meet certain standards developed by the Social Performance Task Force. The Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) was formed in March 2005 by CGAP, the Argidius Foundation, and the Ford Foundation to define social performance for the microfinance industry and address questions relating to social performance measurement and management. The SPTF consists of over 350 leaders from the microfinance field, including practitioners, donors and investors, national and regional networks, technical assistance providers, rating agencies, academics and researchers.

The Award features three levels of recognition. The MFI Silver Certificate Award is awarded to MFIs that comply with the minimum Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) core disclosure requirements. The minimum core disclosure requirements are intended to be answered by MFIs with a simple yes/no. The MFI Gold Certificate Award is awarded to MFIs that comply with the SPTF core disclosure requirements. See the specifics of these requirements here. The Network award is awarded to networks that have at least 50% of their affiliates eligible to receive a Silver or Gold award. This year, 127 MFIs were awarded the Silver Certificate Award, 20 MFIs were awarded the Gold Certificate Award, and six networks were awarded the Network award. [2] Earlier this year when the award considered far fewer applicants, AMK in Cambodia, FINCA Peru, and Prisma Peru received the Gold Award, and Asasah from Pakistan received the Silver Award. See Microcapital.org’s coverage here.

The MFIs receiving the Gold award are: ADRA, ALSOL Chiapas, AMK, Banco Solidario, Banco Vision, BSLF/BASIX, Buusaa Gonofaa, Finca, Fondeco, Fondesurco, Fondo de Desarrollo Local, Fondo Esperanza, Fonkoze, Movimiento Manuela Ramos, Prestanic, Prisma, Pro Mujer-Bolivia, SEF, Ujjivan Financial Services, UNRWA. The networks receiving the award are: Red Accion Latin America (regional network), ASOMIF – Nicaragua (National Network), RDIM – Argentina (National Network), Microfinance Network (International Network), Microfinance Centre (Regional Network).

By Kenny Kline, Research Associate

Additional Resources:

[1] MIX press release

http://www.themix.org/press-release/recipients-2009-social-performance-r…

[2] List of 2009 Social Performance Reporting Award Recipients

http://www.themix.org/publications/2009-social-performance-reporting-awa…

[3] Social Performance Indicators

http://www.themix.org/standards/sp-reports

[4] Social Performance Task Force

http://www.sptf.info/

[5] MICROCAPITAL STORY: Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) Announces Release of the Social Performance Task Force’s (SPTF) Social Performance Indicators Survey