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WorldWise Microfinance Blog

Introducing Fall Intern: Katherine Langan

I’m so excited to join WorldWise Microfinance this fall as an intern! I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I’m pursuing a degree in International Studies and Economics.

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Nonprofit Leader of the Year - Reflections

The recognition I received only came about because of our donors, our volunteers, our partners across six countries, and most importantly, the individuals and families whose lives have been touched by WorldWise Microfinance.

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Why We Sometimes Freeze a Program and What That Really Means

WorldWise Microfinance works in places where systems and infrastructure simply don’t exist. It is typical that the communities we serve are under-resourced, remote, and, at times, unstable.  But that choice brings unexpected challenges: Governments falter, economies shift, and safety becomes […]

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Celebrating Muhammad Yunus: Pioneer of Global Microfinance

Today, WorldWise Microfinance celebrates the birthday of Muhammad Yunus, a visionary economist, social entrepreneur, current head of Bangladesh, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose work has transformed lives around the globe. Best known as the founder of Grameen Bank and […]

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WorldWise Microfinance Grows Its Community-Led Impact in Rural Ghana

Expanded Microlending Initiative Provides Women Access to Capital. MADISON, WI (June 2025) – WorldWise Microfinance, a Madison-based nonprofit organization focused on providing access to capital for women, is expanding its programming in Ghana through a new initiative in the northwestern […]

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Building Resilience Though Microfinance in the Philippines

In the Philippines, where millions live below the poverty line and many more hover just above it, access to basic financial services remains limited. Traditional banks often require collateral, formal employment, or urban residency—barriers that exclude many rural and low-income […]

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We Are Now WorldWise Microfinance

Over the past 15 years, Wisconsin Microfinance has grown, evolved, and expanded, but our mission has never wavered. As we looked forward, we recognized the need for a name that better reflected our mission, the range of the work we do, and […]

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Welcome Tom Boyd - New Director of Development

We are thrilled to welcome our very first paid employee, Tom Boyd, as our new Director of Development. A seasoned leader in the nonprofit world, Tom brings decades of experience in strategic planning, resource development, and communications.

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New Program in Uganda!

Wisconsin Microfinance is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Nsimbi Impact in Uganda. Nsimbi Impact supports female entrepreneurs and fosters sustainable growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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A Lifeline for Women

March is Women's History Month, when we reflect on the accomplishments of women around the world. We celebrate our women loan recipients and their hard work to create a better future for themselves and their families.

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Board Spotlight: Women of WorldWise Microfinance

Here at WorldWise Microfinance, we think it is important to lift up women's voices all around the world, and also here at home. That is why we are so proud to have 9 wonderful women on our board. We can […]

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Microfinance and Sustainable Development - Cassidy Fish

The WorldWise Microfinance mission is deeply rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. While we focus on many of the economic goals, we also recognize and honor the environmental goals. The benefits of a clean, safe, and sustainable world […]

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New Member Introduction - Meet Cassidy Fish!

I have recently joined the team at WorldWise Microfinance as the Admin/Marketing Assistant. I am currently a student at UW Madison majoring in Economics, International Studies, and French. My work at WorldWise Microfinance allows me to pursue my passion for […]

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Traveling to the Dominican Republic - Evan Lory

I traveled to the Dominican Republic in March as a representative of WorldWise Microfinance. It was my first trip to a developing country. Upon arrival, I quickly realized how much I take for granted, where necessities like clean water, electricity, […]

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New Member Introduction: Evan Lory

Hi, I’m Evan Lory a junior at Waunakee High School outside Madison. I am part of the Dane County Youth Apprenticeship Program which coordinates opportunities for high school students seeking hands on experiences with a local organization. Apparently, I’m one […]

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Does Microfinance Actually Improve Lives?

Microfinance, once hailed as a miracle solution, has become the subject of skepticism in the last several years. There is no doubt that repayment rates are as high or higher than traditional financing, but many questioned whether these loans actually […]

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Microfinance Shown to Improve Quality of Life 

WorldWise Microfinance’s loan programs are improving borrowers’ overall quality of life. We are now able to demonstrate a significant and marked improvement in measures of quality of life, including number of daily meals, the presence of meat in meals and […]

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We R uS: WorldWise Microfinance's Partner in Ghana

WorldWise Microfinance is extremely excited to work with We R uS, a non-profit dedicated to creating dynamic, sustainable rural communities in Ghana. Created to support economic development in rural, traditional Ghanaian communities, they are an ideal partner. By working at […]

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WorldWise Microfinance's New Program in Ghana

WorldWise Microfinance is proud to announce that we have launched our first loan program on the African continent. We will be working with We R uS, a US based non-profit that serves traditional villages in Ghana. Ghana is situated on […]

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Our Progress in the Dominican Republic

We are thrilled to announce that WorldWise Microfinance’s microloan program in the Dominican Republic has been officially started in La Piedra! Applicants for our loans have been selected and received their first loan in June, providing opportunities to hard-working entrepreneurs […]

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Stories from the Phillipines

At WorldWise Microfinance, we pay a lot of attention to numbers. Everything we do supports and empowers loan recipients in Haiti and the Philippines. Often, we feel that the best way to measure our success is using the data we’ve […]

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WorldWise Microfinance in the Dominican Republic

In 2010, WorldWise Microfinance launched our first program in Haiti. Shortly after, operations were expanded to the Philippines. And now, WorldWise Microfinance will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to provide more small, low interest loans to aspiring entrepreneurs in […]

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Women and Microfinance: A Winning Combination

WorldWise Microfinance targets 80% of our loans to women, but why exactly is that? Countless studies have proven that when we lift up women, we lift up their families and their communities. Women tend to be more careful decision makers, […]

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The Philippines: Struggle and Resilience

The idea of ‘Filipino Resilience’ has long been touted as something for the Philippines, and for citizens of the country, to be proud of. And maybe it is. The Philippines has a history of enduring and bouncing back from hardships; […]

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A Reflection on Haiti's 2021

As we enter a new year, it is easy to focus on our own past and future; this is a time of new beginnings and reflection, centered around our efforts to make our own year better. But, in doing this, […]

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New Member Introduction: Linnea Teske

Hi! On this blog, you’ll be hearing a lot more from me, Linnea Teske. I’m a freshman studying political science, and I just joined the WorldWise Microfinance team as the new Media Intern! I feel so lucky to be able […]

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Borrower Spotlight: Destinvil Sherline

Destinvil Sherline is a 33-year-old mother of two. She and her husband have always put all of their time and energy into their farm. Though they practiced crop rotation and seasonal planting, their harvest and subsequent income would vary greatly […]

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The Father of Microfinance

Born in 1940 in a Bangladeshi village, Muhammad Yunus has consistently challenged current economic theories and created new ways to empower the poor and underserved.

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Brief History of the Philippines

In honor of Philippines Independence Day on June 12, it is important to look back on the trajectory of the Philippines. The history of the Philippines is marked by an uneven journey for self-determination.

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COVID-19 and the Developing World

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted major inequalities in standards of living and access to medical care between the global north and global south. The countries WorldWise Microfinance operates in, Haiti and the Philippines, have had incredible struggles in fighting both […]

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Natural Disasters and Microfinance

The role of microfinance is clearest in countries suffering from the impact of natural disasters. Natural disasters in Haiti and the Philippines presented a need for new and innovative ways of assisting in recovery.

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Sharing Stories

In this week’s blog, we are going to look back at the lives of some of WorldWise Microfinance’s loan recipients in the Philippines. These two stories are representative of the stories of loan recipients from around the world.

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Changing Access to Capital

WorldWise Microfinance is dedicated to providing access to capital for marginalized communities in Haiti and the Philippines. Access to capital in the developing world is often limited to those with wealth that live in cities. The poor lack of both […]

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Current Events in Haiti

WorldWise Microfinance has an incredibly special relationship with the country of Haiti. After the earthquake in 2010, we developed a program that made small loans to people who lost their businesses and livelihoods. During a visit to the country in […]

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Women: The Champions of Microfinance

The role of women in the developing world is vital to the health and wellbeing of families. According to Muhammed Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank “money entering a household through a woman brings more benefits to the family as […]

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Rehashing the Basics

What is Microfinance? Making small loans to individuals that lack collateral and that are not able to take out a loan from a bank, credit union or other traditional financial institution is the purpose of microfinance. Access to banking systems […]

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Webinar Series: Microfinance 101

The first in a series of webinars, Why Microfinance explores the importance of microfinance as a tool for alleviating poverty. WorldWise Microfinance founder and president Tom Eggert explains what microfinance is and why we’ve chosen to employ it.

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Notes from the Philippines | Entry 5

As we approach the end of our time here in the Philippines, we have had a lot to reflect upon. Looking back on the past two and a half months, we are very grateful for the people we’ve met, the […]

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With Gratitude

Because of you…When an earthquake hit Sagbayan, Philippines in 2013, Jessica Basi’s store and home were completely destroyed, leaving her unable to continue her business. In the aftermath, many people with destroyed homes had to relocate to another barangay (village), […]

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Notes from the Philippines | Entry 4

Morgan and Natalia with WMF beneficiaries and friends on the islet of Lapinig. Hi (again)! Morgan and Natalia here. Part of our role here in the Philippines has been to help our local partners assess the impact of WorldWise Microfinance […]

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Notes from the Philippines | Entry 3

Hi again! This week we are writing to you all from the island of Bohol. The island is in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines and approximately a two hour ferry ride from Cebu City. For those of you […]

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Notes from the Philippines | Entry 2

Hi everyone! As we traveled around Cebu and the island of Bohol this week to visit some WI Microfinance beneficiaries and co-op partners, here’s what was on our minds:

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Notes from the Philippines | Entry 1

Hi, all! Morgan and Natalia here. We are happy to share that our first week in the Philippines has been absolutely incredible. Since the moment we landed in Mactan International Airport in Cebu, we have had the privilege of experiencing […]

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Fall in the Philippines

Thank You For the Difference You’ve Made! Because of you, Lorna Villa, mother of seven and grandmother of three, was able to hold on to her snack business during a health crisis when she was unable to work the grueling […]

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This Holiday Season

Each and every year it rolls around…the Holiday Season. Some of us dread it, while some of us couldn’t be more excited for it’s arrival. A time for family, friends, giving and love, can often turn into a time of […]

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After Haiyan

In November of 2013, the Philippines were shook by the catastrophic effects of Typhoon Haiyan. One of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, Haiyan left over 4,000 people dead or missing. It damaged or completely destroyed more than 1.1 million […]

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Donor Spotlight: Kathy Donovan

This month, we would like to honor a special donor of ours, Kathy Donovan. Her generous donations to our organization are greatly appreciated by each and every one of us at WorldWise Microfinance, so we are thrilled to share a […]

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Since the Prize

Born on June 28, 1940, Muhammad Yunus entered the world as young Muslim boy in a country where not many individuals see economic prosperity. As a developing nation, Bangladesh ranks 43rd in terms of nominal gross domestic product, and is […]

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Microfinance's Role in Disaster Recovery

The Earth is changing. That is for certain. Though the future is undefined, especially on a climate scale, it is sure to contain an increase in both the frequency and intensity of storms. According to the National Weather Service, the […]

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Mother's Day Microfinance

Every year on Mother’s day, we take time out to recognize and appreciate the mothers who have given and nurtured life in all of us. However, this adoration should not be reserved to just one day. Around the world, especially […]

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Why I Believe in Microfinance

Around the world, there are thousands upon thousands of charities doing wonderful work for worthy causes. There is never a shortage of need. In almost every community, both local and global, there is work that needs to be done. However, […]

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Logistics of Microfinance: The How

In this blog, we often write about the benefits that microfinance is able to offer to communities to fight poverty, balance gender disparities, avoid environmental degradation, etc. However, the logistics of how microfinance itself functions is sometimes lost in the […]

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The Role of Microfinance in Mitigating Gender Inquality

One of the main pillars of microfinance is its focus on women. In terms of financial institutions, microfinance stands alone in its prioritization of the economic health of women. In fact, over 80% of all microloans are afforded to women. […]

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Donor Spotlight: Ruth Ohlrogge

As we begin to recognize more and more of our donors for the integral help that they provide in assisting our programs and our mission, we would like to recognize one person who has an intensely personal connection to WorldWise […]

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Donor Spotlight: Theresa Rooney

As we finish the first month of 2018, we are provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress of New Year’s resolutions and appreciate the growth that has occurred. At this moment, we would like to take this opportunity to […]

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Haiti Non-Profits: The Madison Connection

For the past few years in mid-January, Madison area non-profits with operations in Haiti have been getting together for a “Haiti roundtable.” The annual meeting was created to help the organizations better cooperate about current goals and initiatives in the […]

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The 2010 Haitian Earthquake: 8 Years Later

Eight years ago today, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck just west of Haiti’s capital, Port Au Prince. Twelve days and 52 aftershocks later, an estimated 160,000 people were dead. Although there have been stronger earthquakes that have had much lower […]

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Donor Spotlight: Aaron Gary

As we round out the holiday season, it is important to reflect on the sentiments that make this time of year so special: giving, family, and reflection. This month, we turn our donor spotlight to a more recent addition to […]

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What Makes A Gift?

There’s the old adage that goes “It is better to give than to receive” that we all have heard from our parents and one we all will likely pass on the same. When I was a child, I did not […]

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The Loanees of WorldWise Microfinance

Although the importance of microfinance has grown exponentially in the past few decades, it is not itself an end all solution. In truth, a loan is worth nothing without a headstrong recipient. At WorldWise Microfinance, we are lucky enough to […]

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Donor Spotlight: Alana McKeever

Because WorldWise Microfinance relies entirely on our supporter base for funds, our donors are especially important to us and our success. Any advances made, any people or families lifted out of abject poverty, in fact, any programs at all are […]

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Development Snapshot: Haiti and the Philippines

The phrase “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” is a classic American phrase that highlights the idea of personal self-reliance that the US so loves to harp on. However, how does one improve their situation when they don’t even […]

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The Necessity of Hope

Every day, it seems, there is a new crisis somewhere in the world. Especially as of late, news cycles are so often dominated by doom and gloom. Hurricanes destroying the Caribbean, political unrest in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and […]

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Remembering Typhoon Haiyan

Four years ago, the Philippines was utterly devastated by the strongest landfalling tropical cyclone on record, Typhoon Haiyan. The 30th storm of the 2013 Pacific Typhoon season, Haiyan originally seemed to be just another strong tropical storm. However, as it […]

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Donor Spotlight: Tom Kenney

This past week, we at WorldWise Microfinance received one of the largest single donations we have ever had in our eight years of operations, made in memory of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Tom Kenny. We were so touched by Tom’s […]

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The Necessity of Sustainability

What does it mean to be sustainable? When applied to the environment, sustainability refers to a state in which the strain put on the environment can be met without reducing its capacity to allow all people to live well into […]

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Muhammad Yunus: The Architect of Microfinance

Every year, the first week of October serves as a global celebration of knowledge and understanding as the Nobel prizes are awarded in recognition of academic, cultural, and scientific advances. Past prize winners include Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, and most […]

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A Spotlight on Mozayik

Imagine that your entire community has been destroyed: houses leveled, lives forced to start again in a new and unfamiliar location. Imagine that you straggled to whatever patch of land you could find and attempted to regain some sense of […]

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WorldWise Microfinance: After the Storm

This week, Hurricane Irma ravaged the Caribbean while her contemporaries, Harvey and Maria, made devastating landfalls of their own, creating a three-pronged path of destruction. Antigua and Barbuda, one of the small island nations affected, reported having up to 95% […]

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WorldWise Microfinance: Empowering Women

WorldWise Microfinance was founded in 2010 in response to the earthquake in Haiti that killed hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed the livelihoods of the vast majority of people in and around Port au Prince. Our original mandate for […]

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Introducing the New Co-Executive Directors!

Hello! We are Meg DiPoto and Jane McCurry and we are the new co-executive directors of WorldWise Microfinance! We are excited to take on this role and increase the visibility of WorldWise Microfinance.

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