Economic Empowerment

Each month, we will take you behind the scenes to introduce you to the teams that are dedicated to empowering the world’s poorest people to become entrepreneurs. You will meet Field Officers, volunteers, and Whole Planet Foundation staff. Through their stories you will get a glimpse into a day on the job—whether it is in Austin, Texas or Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

WPF’s Field Officer Appreciation Award is an initiative to support our partners to recognize the hard work done by field staff on the front lines of microfinance. During quarter one, WPF disbursed prizes to the field officers who were nominated by our microfinance partners at the end of 2018. Here are some highlights from this group of nominees from the Asia/Pacific region and some lovely award ceremonies that our partners have shared. Even with personalized recognition, all the staff chose to share their prize with their colleagues and/or the clients they serve!

The Texas Bankers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Texas Bankers Association, presented a Cornerstone Award to Dallas-based Comerica Bank for its Gift of Knowledge project. Kevin Mondy, president and executive director of Project Still I Rise, accepted the award at the Texas Bankers Association’s 135th Annual Convention at the Fairmont in Austin.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC), NeighborWorks® America and its local network member, NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center Sacramento Region, today announced an additional $6 million donation by Wells Fargo to boost homeownership through the NeighborhoodLIFT® program for Sacramento County and the city of West Sacramento. This effort to create approximately 225 local homeowners follows the success of the 2012 NeighborhoodLIFT program for Sacramento that included a $7 million philanthropic investment by Wells Fargo and created 329 homeowners.

At PayPal, we are focused on creating inclusive economic opportunities for as many people and as many businesses as possible. We strive to create a world where everyone has access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to improve their financial health and participate in the global economy. To fulfill our mission, we work to maximize the positive impact of our business and to be a responsible, transparent, and sustainable corporate citizen on behalf of all of our stakeholders. And, we take these commitments seriously.

With the tremendous support of Whole Foods Market shoppers, team members and volunteers, donors, and corporate partners, the Whole Planet Foundation Annual Prosperity Campaign raised $4,249,706 during the month of March. These efforts will support more than 128,000 people with the chance to lift themselves out of poverty through microcredit. Each year, Whole Foods Market shoppers can round up their bill or make a donation of their choice to fund microloans for people living in poverty in countries around the world where Whole Foods Market sources products. Since 2006, shoppers have contributed $45 million, close to half of the Foundation’s revenue since inception.

Bayer has renewed its commitment to the “Bridging the Seed Gap” project for five years. The project, developed by the non-profit organization Fair Planet, facilitates smallholder farmers’ access to seeds of high-quality vegetable varieties suited to local growing conditions.

Interview with Hans Docter, Director Sustainable Economic Development, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Finance companies to improve competitive advantage by advancing racial equity.