MICROCAPTAL BRIEF: Microfinance Institution (MFI) ACCION International Ranked Most Effective Nonprofit by Philanthropedia

ACCION International (ACCION), a private, US-based nonprofit organization with a global network of microfinance institutions (MFIs), has announced that Philanthropedia, an organization that evaluates the effectiveness of nonprofits, ranked it highest among microfinance organizations. Philanthropedia surveyed 131 actors in the microfinance sector, including practitioners, foundation executives, researchers, nonprofit staff and government officials. This group selected 12 MFIs to be ranked according to their impact in the field and other factors. ACCION reportedly partners with 34 MFIs worldwide, has a gross loan portfolio of USD 31.8 billion, operations in 23 countries and serves 3.3 million active clients as of 2009.

About ACCION International: ACCION International is a private, US-based nonprofit organization with the mission of alleviating poverty by providing financial products, such as microenterprise loans, business training and other financial services to its clients. ACCION was founded in 1961 and issued its first microloan in 1973 in Brazil. ACCION’s partner microfinance institutions provide loans to men and women entrepreneurs in 23 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the United States. As of 2009, ACCION’s network serves 3.3 million active clients and has a gross loan portfolio of USD 31.8 billion.

By Diana Baide, Research Assistant

[1] PRNewswire. “ACCION Ranked World’s Most Effective Microfinance Nonprofit by Philanthropedia.” 27 September 2010

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accion-ranked-worlds-most-effective-microfinance-nonprofit-by-philanthropedia-103858078.html

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: ACCION International

https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=ACCION+International

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