M icrocredit is the extension of small loans to enterpreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans.

It has proven an effective and popular measure in the ongoing struggle against poverty, enabling those without access to lending institutions to borrow at bank rates, and start small business. The concept of Microcredit was pioneered by Dr. Mohammed Younus, and first implemented in the Grameen Bank, Bangladesh. Subsequently, Grameen Bank replications have proliferated, and have proven effective in repeating the microcredit miracle on a vast and constantly increasing scale.

Supporting Microcredit initiatives fulfills the primary IDS objective of empowering the poorest of the poor. IDS is involved in the following ways.

• Distribution of funds to various micro-credit organizations over the next 5 years
• Developing relations with Banking and other funding institutions to facilitate larger scale funding to be made available to practitioners
• Raising public awareness of Microcredit by publishing articles, organizing  and participating in Seminars
• Suporting large scale lobbying efforts through its membership in organizations such as   the group of Microcredit Advocates in Industrialized Countries - part of the Microcredit Summit
• Providing opportunities to individuals interested in getting involved in micro-credit programs in India through the IDS Externship program

If you have questions or suggestions regarding this section of the website please email dmartyris@hotmail.com

Organizational Support

IDS Supports the following Microcredit practitioner Organizations. Detailed description of each can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate link. IDS also sponsors the CASHPOR and INDNET websites, which are valuable resources for centralized information on Grameen Bank Replications and Microcredit in India.

IDS extends its support both to new start-ups as well as established organizations in the field of micro-credit. The IDS annual budget for microcredit initiatives is approximately $21,000. Applicants are required to submit an application form which can be downloaded or obtained on request from IDS.