14.02.2012
Follow the SP Start-up Fund grantees on facebook
You may join the group and catch up with the latest updates from grantees: their activities, project progress and their observations.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/236280143108419/
19.10.2011
First networks trained how to promote and implement social performance management (SPM) among their members!
The Microfinance Centre (MFC) in cooperation with the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) organized first Kick-off Workshop in Manila, Philippines between 6th and 14th October. The Kick-off Workshop opens up the project conducted by microfinance networks witin Social Performance Start-up Fund for networks. Four grantees from Asia participated in the event (China Association for Microfinance (CAM); China, Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN), India; Centre for Microfinance (CMF), Nepal; National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), Philippines) The two similar workshops for the rest of grantees will follow this fall.
The Kick-off Workshop was divided into two parts. The first part – study tour, was focused on MCPI very practical and concrete experience on working with its members on SPM and the role the network can play in promoting SPM. The participants could learn as well how SPM can be implemented in an MFI, based on experience of ASHI, local MFI. The participants highlighted practical dimension of the study tour: the focus on practical experience and results helped to clarify SPM.
Second part of kick off workshop was dedicated to building capacity of network staff and their consultants through providing information on SPM concepts, tools, SP related developments in the form of TOT (training of trainers) as well as allow participants to share and discuss their project plans on promoting SPM in their respected countries.
30.08.2011
On the 29th of July we have closed the call for proposals for the SP Start-up Fund for Networks, receiving 31 applications. The staff and Grant Committee are in the process of review of the short-listed networks in order to select the final grantees. The list of successful grantees will be announced mid September.
18.07.2011
As of 8 July 2011, the SP Start-up Fund had received 16 preliminary proposals from national microfinance networks. Within this courtesy review, candidate networks received preliminary feedback on their application, an evaluation of their formal eligibility, the relevance to the Fund’s goals and gaps to be addressed in the final proposal.
For the final proposals, applying networks should pay special attention to the following issues when filling in the application form:
- Providing detailed information about planned activities and resources allocation;
- Explaining the proposed project team added value to the proposed activities;
- Submitting financial statements with the currency clearly stated; submitting an operational budget indicating both revenues and expenditures levels.
For more information on how to fill in the application form please contact: SPFund[at]mfc.org.pl .
22.06.2011
We invite all candidate networks to consult new section of the Fund's website: Questions & Answers where various frequently asked questions are explained. The list of questions will be regularly updated.
14.06.2011 The call for proposals is announced.
The Social Performance Start-up Fund for Networks invites proposals from national microfinance associations from Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa for projects aiming to initiate Social Performance (SP) activities with their member-institutions. Starting by 14 June 2011, interested microfinance networks can apply for funding up to USD 50,000 for projects for up to one year in duration. The full package of application documents is available here.
20.05.2011
We are pleased to announce publication of the application process description and support documents for the grant application process. They can be found in the sub-directories: Application and Tools for Networks.
Moreover, In the sub-directory TA Providers you can find detailed information on the technical assistance offer available for applicants. We invite the applying associations to regularly visit this webpage while constructing the application for funding, as there will be many template and information documents successfully published before the launch of the call for proposals.
11.04.2011
The official inauguration of the Social Performance (SP) Start-Up Fund for Networks, is just one month away. MFC is pleased to announce that the Fund Steering Committee has been formed.
The committee is the key strategic advisory body for the Fund Management and will provide guidance on strategic decisions and grantee selection and ensure Fund supervision.
The first official web-meeting of the committee took place on 24 March, 2011. The committee approved the SP Start-up Fund operational plan covering the announcement of call for proposals in June 2011 and the disbursement of grants, which are planned to be implemented by selected networks by the end of 2012.
To read more detailed information on the Fund Steering Committee representatives please visit: Steering committee & Staff section.
