Archive for MIcrofinance Insights

Last fall, the microfinance crisis that started in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has had implications for the industry nationwide. The latest of these had been the recommendations put forth to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by the Malegam Committee.

Intellecap, the publisher of Beyond Profit and a leading social investment advisory firm, released a white paper responding to these recommendations. The paper commends the committee for defining microfinance and creating a new category for non-banking financial company (NBFC) microfinance institution (MFI). » Continue reading “Intellecap Responds to the Malegam Committee”

For several years, there has been more dialogue about using microfinance institution networks for water and sanitation loans. “WaterCredit,” as it is called, has been pioneered by Water.org (formerly Water Partners). On Friday, in Chennai, WaterCredit experts, users, and facilitators came together to discuss where the WaterCredit space stands, the progress made to date, and the scope for WaterCredit provision in the future.

The Need
There is no doubt about the need. Around the world, 900 million people lack access to clean water; 2.6 billion lack access to sanitation. In India, 130 million people are without clean water and 840 million people lack access to proper sanitation.  Of the total, 90% of the Watsan burden is borne by women. Not to mention, the poor pay an unbelievable 12 times what the rich pay for a single liter of water. Why? The poor often don’t see the benefits of infrastructure improvements, which is where most of the subsidies go.

Piloting the Concept
Several MFIs have been trying out a new product in the hopes of meeting their clients water and sanitation needs. BASIX entered into a partnership with Water Partners several years ago in an effort to gain insight into the technical and financial feasibility of microcredit products to » Continue reading “WaterCredit: Pilot Results Revealed”

Job requirements: We are seeking an accomplished designer or design team with a strong sense of typography, a high degree of proficiency in print/magazine design, and a strong and diverse portfolio for a part time position.  The job can be done remotely, except for a few days a month needed in office.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the design and coordination of all materials
• Working closely with editorial department to develop visual treatments
• Innovating on the current magazine template, and introducing new visually dynamic ways of presenting text, images, and data » Continue reading “Freelance Designer, Microfinance Insights, Print Magazine”

Job Objective: Are you looking for a way to use your advertising/sales skills and make a positive impact?  Join Intellecap as the Advertising/Sales Lead for two social enterprise-focused magazines, Beyond Profit and Microfinance Insights. Both magazines generate revenue—through ad sales, events and subscriptions—but we are also seeking grant support to provide an additional foundation for growth.  The ideal candidate will be adept at ad sales, as well as grant writing.

Responsibilities:

• Develop all sales activities for two growing magazines.
• Provide leadership toward the achievement of maximum profitability and growth in line with company vision and values.
• Develop a business plan and sales strategy for the magazines that ensures attainment of publications’ sales goals and profitability.
• Prepare action plans for effective search of sales leads and prospects.
• Initiates and coordinates development of action plans to penetrate new markets.
• Assists in the development and implementation of marketing plans as needed.
• Serves as lead in sales calls to local and global clients.
• Maintains accurate records of all outreach, sales, and activity reports.
• Creates and conducts proposal presentations and RFP responses.
• Actively seeks grant support and leads preparation of grant proposals.
• Assists sales associates in preparation of proposals and presentations.
• Controls expenses to meet budget guidelines. » Continue reading “Advertising/Sales/Sponsorship Lead, Intellecap Publications”

The people in the field, the development practitioners working at the grassroots, working with communities up-close and personal, often bring a unique perspective to the global development dialogue. There are the people with stories to tell and experiences to share.

If you are one such person, Beyond Profit’s sister publication, Microfinance Insights, is looking for you!

The Microfinance Insights Annual Photo Contest 2009, “Global Shades of Development,” is an annual showcase for photographers and development enthusiasts who have captured images of development in action. Microfinance Insights is currently inviting entries from enthusiasts of microfinance, photography, and social development around the world. The objective of the competition is to provide a fresh context to the subject of development – one that resonates with our increasingly diverse, global audience. Images transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, and Microfinance Insights is busy using this medium to help its audience better understand the sector.

The contest is divided into five categories that are open to individual interpretation: Color/Vibrancy, Emerging Markets, Overcoming Challenges, Social Enterprise, and Altered Photos. Please visit the Microfinance Insights Photo Contest website to learn more.