About the Foundation for International Community Assistance

The Foundation for International Community Assistance provides micro loans to poor women and their families in an effort to help them out of poverty. By providing destitute mothers with small loans, FINCA enables them to start or expand small businesses. The result is women who were formerly dependant on charity are now financially independent.

Since the poor often have no collateral, they cannot qualify for commercial loans. FINCA provides these people with access to loans through what they call Village Banking groups – collectively run credit and savings groups of 20-50 women. A typical first loan to get women started in business is $50.

Village Banking programs grant loans for four month cycles, which are repaid in weekly installments. Once a member pays off her first loan, she may borrow again. Over a period of three years, the typical member will not only finance a new business, she will accumulate around $300 in savings. That may not sound like much to us, but to that woman, $300 is enough to ensure her continuing financial self-sufficiency.

Village Banking programs provide more than loans. They empower women by strengthening their initiative and creativity. These loans are not handouts. The women are well aware that they must work hard to repay the loans and continue on their path to success. But they provide the jump-start without which the women would remain in poverty.

Personally, I am very moved by the work being done by FINCA. I am aware of how lucky I am to have my own business – the sense of accomplishment that comes from a hard day of work. The joy in hearing positive feedback from customers. The awareness that I am contributing to our local economy by providing jobs and creating a product that sells well for our local retailers. I was lucky to have the support of my friends and family and would love to help in providing a start for other female entrepreneurs around the world. I urge you to read more about FINCA at www.villagebanking.org.

Through the generosity of Jessicurl customers, at the start of October 2004, we were proud to send FINCA a check for $150.