The nonprofit Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is seeking nominations for the Social Performance Reporting Awards, established in 2009 by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), the Ford Foundation, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and the Social Performance Task Force (SPTF), a group aimed at defining social performance for microfinance institutions (MFIs).
According to CGAP, the awards “provide a yardstick for those wanting to assess an MFI’s commitment not only to showing progress in helping its clients, but also to supporting its staff, and protecting the environment. As such, the awards reward openness and accountability in reporting, not the actual performance of MFIs on these measures.”
To qualify for an award, MFIs must meet certain standards developed by SPTF. The deadline for MFIs to report their social performance data to MIX is September 30, 2010.
By Stefanie Rubin, Research Associate
About the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX):
Established in 2002, the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Washington, DC, and regional offices in Peru, Senegal, India and Indonesia. MIX provides detailed financial and social performance information from microfinance institutions (MFIs), as well as business information from market facilitators and leading donor organizations and investors in microfinance. MIX was founded by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), and is sponsored by Citi Foundation, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
About CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor):
Housed at the World Bank Group, CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) is an independent policy and research center dedicated to providing financial access for the world’s poor. CGAP is supported by over thirty development agencies and private foundations. Its mission is to provide market intelligence, to promote standards and to offer advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors and investors.
About the Social Performance Task Force (SPTF):
The Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) was created in 2005 by CGAP (the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), the Argidius Foundation and the Ford Foundation with the purpose of clearly defining social performance and addressing questions about measuring and managing social performance. SPTF is made up of over 650 microfinance practitioners, donors and investors (multilateral, bilateral and private), national and regional networks, technical assistance providers, rating agencies and academics.
SPTF defines social performance as: “The effective translation of an institution’s social mission into practice in line with accepted social values such as serving larger numbers of poor and excluded people; improving the quality and appropriateness of financial services; creating benefits for clients; and improving social responsibility of an MFI.”
About the Ford Foundation:
The Ford Foundation provides grants or loans that address the issues of democratic and accountable government, human rights, social justice philanthropy, economic fairness, metropolitan opportunity (jobs, schools transportation, housing), sustainable development, educational opportunity and scholarship, freedom of expression, and sexuality and reproductive health and rights. The foundation was chartered in 1936 by Edsel Ford. As of 2009, more than USD 15.6 billion has been distributed worldwide.
About the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation:
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation was established in 1999 to provide grants to organizations that focus on education, childhood health, and family economic stability.
Additional Resources:
Download the Social Performance Reporting Form
MicroCapital Universe profile: The Microfinance Information Exchange
MicroCapital Universe profile: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor)
MicroCapital Universe profile: The Ford Foundation
MicroCapital Universe profile: Michael and Susan Dell Foundation
Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/
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