Over 300 organizations applied for the seventh round of the PPIC funding.  The pool of applicants for this round was competitive and presented very promising ideas from all over the world.  The selection was based on the following criteria: depth of outreach, innovation in client identification, delivery methodology, or product/service design, and demonstrated commitment to both the proposed project and eventual sustainability.  CGAP will share all applications with it's 28 member-donors, who may directly contact applicants of interest to them.  

Please see below short descriptions of the winners:

Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW), Egypt

ADEW, based in Egypt intends to use the PPIC grant to expand its "Girl's Dreams Program".  The program targets girls who dropped out of school or have never attended.  The girls receive training on financial literacy, technical skills and personal development and health.  At the end of the twelve-month program period, they graduate into ADEW's regular microfinance program.

Archdiocese of Kisumu Savings and Credit Scheme (ADOK TIMO), Kenya

ADOK TIMO works in Western Kenya where a high percentage of women and girls have HIV/AIDS.  It provides credit, mainly to peasant women, to produce food products recommended for supporting the immune system in HIV patients.  ADOK TIMO also has a specific savings product designed to encourage daily savings.

Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB), Philippines

CBB, a rural bank in the Philippines, works with young farmers in spreading sustainable agriculture.  With the PPIC grant, CBB plans to provide credit and training to highland youth to encourage the development of new environmentally-friendly agribusinesses and the sustainable production of health foods and culinary herbs.

Credit Union "The First in the Far East" (CU "1st in the FE"), Russia

CU "1st in the FE" is the only MFI in the Russian Far East providing credit services to elderly and disabled persons.  With the PPIC grant the credit union plans to expand it's pension loan program.  This program allows clients to borrow against their pension money for meeting emergency consumption needs.  CU "1st from the FE" also plans to develop a new savings product that can be used as a guarantee for loans.

Oportunidad Latinoamérica Colombia (OLC), Colombia

OLC is the only MFI in Bogotá, Colombia,  providing disabled people with access to credit.  With the PPIC grant OLC plans to provide training, and expand its credit program for disabled people.  The training includes courses on personal relations and business management that prepare disabled people to enter into OLC's  traditional credit program.

CGAP Announces the Winners of the Pro-Poor Innovation Challenge Award- Round VII on  http://www.cgap.org/projects/PPIC/ppic.html