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How Rang De is using crowdsourcing to make micro loans cheaper

Anu Thomas

May 04, 2017 |

The Economic Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Bengaluru, Karnataka

A husband and wife team in Bangalore (Bengaluru) have created a peer-to-peer, online micro-loan platform to help make poverty history by addressing credit needs of underserved communities. Lenders on the platform can choose the individuals and projects they loan to, and interest rates are kept low so as to be accessible for the recipients. The platform, Rang De, has seen great success and boasts a 93% repayment rate.

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Where Pregnancy Isn't A Death Sentence

Linus Unah

April 06, 2017 |

Bright Magazine |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Nigeria, Ondo

In the Nigeria state of Ondo the maternal mortality rate fell by 40 percent after the state unrolled the Abiye vanguard program. Over 400 health vanguard’s were hired to ensure that pregnant women delivered their babies in healthcare facilities, rather than with traditional birth attendants. “94.7 percent of deliveries today are now handled by skilled attendants, compared to 38 percent nationwide.”

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M-Pesa: Kenya's mobile money success story turns 10

Kieron Monks

February 24, 2017 |

CNN |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Nairobi, Nairobi Area

Ten years ago, Vodafone's Safaricom launched "M-Pesa" a mobile-phone based payment system designed to ease transfer of money in Kenya among individuals and small businesses. With a maximum transaction of 70,000 Kenyan shillings ($675 USD), M-Pesa markets "to the base of the pyramid:" not only has M-Pesa taken root in more than ten other countries, but it counts 18 million active users in Kenya and, through access to a mobile monetary payment system, has lifted 2% of Kenyan households out of extreme poverty.

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Can the Graduation Approach Help to End Extreme Poverty?

Tony Sheldon

February 07, 2017 |

Yale Insights |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Bangladesh, Dhaka

BRAC, the largest NGO in the world and one of the leaders in microfinance as an approach to combating poverty, discovered that despite its successes, microcredit did not always reach what are called the Ultra-Poor in effective, sustainable ways. So they formed partnerships and launched a new, comprehensive initiative that involves consumption support, technical and financial literacy training, and asset management to create a pathway to prosperity called the "graduation approach."

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To fight poverty in Africa, a new-old solution: cash handouts

Ryan Lenora Brown

December 11, 2016 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Lesotho, Maseru

The approach of giving cash straight to poor people - rather than funneling goods or services indirectly through the slow, diluted, and complex systems of charities or governments - is nothing new, but evidence of long-term success and sustainability are few. That's why many NGOs and governments are now coupling cash transfers with more comprehensive programs such as job training and financial counseling, as well as addressing some of the root causes that keep people poor, like lack of infrastructure and market access.

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Can Mezcal Survive Being Popular?

Alec Jacobson

December 07, 2016 |

Roads & Kingdoms |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Mexico, San Juan Del Rio, Queretaro

The production of mezcal keeps increasing, drawing the attention of big liquor brands who want to invest in the mezcal market. Entrepreneurs in Mexico, are teaming up with rural farmers, their collaboration could potentially push out big companies from taking over the market.

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In Rural Bangladesh, Solar Power Dents Poverty

Amy Yee

October 04, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Bangladesh, Kakhin Bimile, Dhaka Division

Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol), a government-backed Bangladeshi energy and infrastructure group, is helping bring solar power to homes in rural Bangladesh that once relied on dangerous kerosene or expensive diesel for electricity. The keys to Idcol’s expansion across Bangladesh are financing plans that cater to lower-income people, as well as partnerships with 56 grass-roots organizations like the microfinance institution Grameen. Solar energy is reliable, clean, and more cost effective in the long run, and has become a lifeline for low-income Bangladeshis living beyond access of the main grid.

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Is farming a public service?

Lyndsey Gilpin

September 05, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Albuquerque, New Mexico

To develop the next generation of producers, the Young Farmers Coalition non-profit is now pushing Congress and individual state legislatures to take a big step: forgiving farmers’ student loans.

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A radical approach to gun crime: paying people not to kill each other

Jason Motlagh

June 09, 2016 |

The Guardian |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Richmond, California

Richmond, California’s Office of Neighborhood Safety uses controversial monthly cash stipends among the incentives it gives to young men it’s trying to steer away from street violence. While the program's first years were associated with steep drops in shootings and homicides, critics question whether ONS deserves the credit and whether it can be replicated in other cities. A deep look at how it works finds evidence that it does make a positive difference while operating in a complex arena of advances and setbacks.

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Want To Serve The World's Poorest Citizens? Take Your Company Public In India

Nish Acharya

May 03, 2016 |

Forbes |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Mumbai

There is a substantial argument for increased involvement of private companies in venture philanthropy. Unlike large government bodies and NGOs, private companies are more nimble and experienced when it comes to strategies in marketing, R&D, creating pricing structures, and adapting to rapid social change. Three companies in India are seeing real results by serving India's poorest customers with a market-based approach.

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