Not every microfinance organization operates the same way. At WorldWise, we have a specific, deliberate process for choosing where your donations go. Here’s how it works.
We start with people we know. We only enter communities where we already have a real, personal connection — through the University of Wisconsin or through relationships with our board members. These communities are located in the Global South, where microfinance has the greatest potential to expand economic opportunity.
Then we find the right partner on the ground. A program is only as good as the people running it locally. We look for organizations already embedded in the community with a proven track record of poverty alleviation — nonprofits, cooperatives, credit unions, foundations, or mission-aligned businesses.We maintain strong, personal connections by ensuring each organization has a liaison on our board, a vital point of contact that helps ensure accountability and transparency with your donations
Finally, we hold everyone to the same high standards. Every partner commits to our core program requirements:
- At least 80% of loans directed to women
- Interest rates capped at 1% per month
- Initial loans no greater than $200, growing gradually as businesses do
- Borrowers grouped in teams of six or more — no one moves up until everyone repays
- Repayments fund a revolving loan pool, so your dollars keep working long after the first loan
- Communities must have existing financial infrastructure so borrowers can eventually graduate to mainstream banking
This level of diligence is key in transforming your donations into tangible, lasting change for entrepreneurs and families across the globe. By investing in WorldWise Microfinance, you can be confident that your donations are being thoughtfully and intentionally managed to make the maximum possible impact.