Whole Planet Foundation® Now Funding First-Ever Domestic Microlending Program in Austin Dedicated to Helping Women
February 20 2014 - 1:12PM
Business Wire
Deepens support in six other U.S. metros;
Offers nation easy way to join the cause with 2014 Prosperity
Campaign
Whole Planet Foundation has committed more than $5 million to
fight poverty in the U.S. through its partner, Grameen America, a
nonprofit microfinance organization that offers microloans,
training and support to help women who live in poverty build small
businesses to create better lives for their families. The money
will help Grameen America launch a new microlending branch in
Austin, and will support existing programs in six metro areas: New
York; the Bay Area; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Omaha, Neb.; and
Indianapolis.
To date, Whole Planet Foundation has committed more than $48
million for microcredit projects throughout 59 countries across
Asia, Africa and the Americas.
“Poverty is not just a developing-world problem; it’s an issue
we’re battling at home,” said Philip Sansone, president and
executive director of Whole Planet Foundation. “Microcredit offers
real solutions for low-income entrepreneurs and their entire
families. We’re excited to invest in our communities and help our
neighbors get a fresh start.”
With no collateral or credit history required, microloans offer
many low-income women their first chance to gain financial
independence by starting or expanding their own business.
Prosperity from their food carts, at-home bakeries and flower shops
are helping women provide healthy meals, housing and education for
themselves and their children. The average first loan size is
$1,264 in the U.S. and $177 in the developing world.
“You don’t need to donate millions to make a real, lasting
impact on someone’s life,” said Sansone. “Microcredit is proof that
even small donations can spark big change. This spring, it’s easier
than ever to get involved and help those in need.”
Through March 31, shoppers can make a difference by
participating in hundreds of fundraising events at Whole Foods
Market® – from charity races and tasting events to garage sales and
fashion shows – all as part of the foundation’s nationwide
Prosperity Campaign. Shoppers can also donate at store checkouts or
online at wholeplanetfoundation.org. Through these efforts, the
foundation aims to raise $7 million for microlending projects in
just five weeks.
Shoppers can also enter for a chance to win a trip for two to
Mexico, courtesy of Intrepid Travel, to see the impact of
microcredit first-hand. On this six-day expedition, travelers will
meet borrowers supported by Whole Planet Foundation and take in the
country’s vibrant sights, sounds and flavors. For information on
the trip and how to enter, visit Whole Planet Foundation’s Facebook
page at facebook/wholeplanetfoundation.
For more information about Whole Planet Foundation, fundraising
opportunities and testimonials from microcredit clients, visit
wholeplanetfoundation.org.
Whole Foods MarketLiz Burkhart,
512-542-0682Liz.Burkhart@wholefoods.com
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