Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund Fosters Economic Opportunities

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Credit: pexels.com, Dollar bills and 'BUSINESSES' spelled with tiles on a blue background, symbolizing finance.

The Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund is a unique partnership between the Omidyar Network and Tufts University that's making a real difference in the lives of people in developing countries. It was established in 2009.

This fund focuses on providing financial services to people who are underserved by traditional banks. It achieves this by investing in microfinance institutions that serve low-income populations.

One of the key goals of the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund is to support the growth of microfinance institutions in developing countries. This is done by providing them with the necessary funding and expertise to expand their services.

By doing so, the fund aims to increase access to financial services for millions of people who currently lack it.

Omidyar-Tufts Partnership

The Omidyar-Tufts Partnership is a unique collaboration between Tufts University and Pierre Omidyar and his wife, Pam. They've committed $100 million to support international microfinance initiatives through this partnership.

This partnership will create the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund, which will be overseen by an independent supporting organization. The fund will provide capital to microfinance institutions in various countries.

Credit: youtube.com, tuft1

The fund's returns will be reinvested in a way that benefits both the microfinance programs and Tufts University. Fifty percent of the returns will be reinvested in the fund to support additional microfinance programs, while the remaining 50 percent will advance Tufts-specific initiatives.

Tufts hopes to earn a commercially viable rate of return from the fund, which is the same 9 percent rate of return they seek from their endowment. The university's chief investment officer, Sally Dungan, believes this partnership can help lift many millions of people out of poverty.

Pierre Omidyar, the co-founder of the Omidyar Network, sees this partnership as an opportunity to demonstrate the commercial viability of microfinance to a wider institutional investor audience.

Gift to Support Small Businesses

If you're looking for a unique gift to support small businesses, consider gifting a microfinance loan to entrepreneurs in developing countries.

The Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund provides loans to small business owners who lack access to traditional banking services.

Colorful vivid picture of apartment purchase concept with inscription deposit as initial payment for loan agreement
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful vivid picture of apartment purchase concept with inscription deposit as initial payment for loan agreement

By gifting a loan, you're helping to empower women and men to start or grow their own businesses, creating economic opportunities and improving their lives.

These loans can range from $100 to $1,000, allowing individuals to purchase inventory, pay for rent, or invest in their business.

You can gift a loan in someone's name, making it a thoughtful and meaningful present for friends and family.

In 2017, the fund provided over $1 million in loans to entrepreneurs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Your gift can make a real difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and their families, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

The fund also provides training and support to help entrepreneurs manage their businesses effectively.

This gift is a tangible way to support economic development and empower individuals to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

The Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund is a non-profit organization, ensuring that 100% of your gift goes directly to supporting entrepreneurs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Hebrew Free Loan Association of Northeast Ohio

Bertha Hoeger

Junior Writer

Bertha Hoeger is a versatile writer with a keen interest in financial institutions and community development. Her work primarily focuses on banking and microfinance sectors, providing insightful analyses of various Indian financial entities and organizations. She has covered a range of topics, from banks based in Maharashtra and those established in 2019 to private sector banks and microfinance companies.

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