The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) defines impact investments in straightforward terms: investments made into companies, organizations and funds with the intention to generate social and environmental impact alongside financial return. Impact investing provides capital for for-profit social enterprises that address pressing challenges for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Over its history, Grameen Foundation’s impact investing has helped fuel the growth of social enterprises that create income-generating opportunities for women and the poor, and deliver products or services that improve their lives.
Our impact investing encompasses:
Social Impact Funds
Our Pioneer Fund links social businesses to sources of capital traditionally beyond their reach. We have made targeted early investments in mission-aligned companies such as Musoni Kenya, Juhudi Kilimo, and PT RUMA.
Fairtrade Access Fund
As a co-sponsor of the Fairtrade Access Fund, a $25 million debt fund, Grameen Foundation has helped to enable farmers’ cooperatives and associations and members in Latin America and Africa to affordably invest in processing facilities, new equipment, and other farm improvements.
Microfinance Institutions
We finance innovative microfinance institutions that seek to improve livelihoods at the “last mile” — those rural or difficult-to-reach markets that often include the poorest people. This work has included loan guarantees to help MFIs secure additional funding in local currencies, and investments in institutions such as Cashpor in India.
Joint Ventures
Joint ventures come into being when like-minded organizations pool their resources for greater impact. Grameen Foundation has initiated or participated in a number of significant joint ventures to support impact investing, particularly in India.
