The Grassroots Foundation recently announced that Interlink Money has stepped forward as a seed capital sponsor of the Foundations’ microfinance program. The foundation recently launched www.grassfund.org to raise funds locally and globally through widespread awareness building for its Micro finance programme which will reach out to those in deep rural areas which are in the stranglehold of abject poverty.
The Interlink Money funding will enable the programme to expand to the North and East of Sri Lanka and help build the capacity of entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, and advance broader private sector support for volunteerism to improve the businesses and livelihoods of the entrepreneurs.
“We invite professionals from around the world to register with GrassFund, and support the high priority needs of the Micro Finance sector,” said Zarook Marikkar, Founder Secretary General of the Grassroots Foundation “GrassFunds volunteers are helping to give poor people greater access to financial services and finding capital for their businesses by developing new products and new avenues, and reaching more clients. Interlink Money continues to be a strong ally in helping us strengthen the vital role that volunteers play in the fight against poverty through Micro Credit.”
Today, many microfinance networks rely on volunteers, but often on an ad hoc basis. GrassFund offers an effective and skills-based volunteer engagement framework. Grassroots Foundation is leading discussions with corporations, networks and MFIs to offer a solution for recruiting specialized expertise and support for this programme. “The way to break the cycle of poverty is to enable people to build a livelihood for themselves through Micro Credit,” said Zarook Marikkar. He further said “Extending credit and business development services are two essential components for any kind of Credit programme.”
About Grassroots Foundation: Grassroots Foundation is a local not for profit organization made up of a concerned group of committed activists from civil society, business, the public sector, faith communities and Social Service movements. This organization is built on a commitment to alleviate poverty and uphold the democratic values of equality, justice and respect for human rights. Founded in 2006, Grassroots Foundation has executive office in
Photo Caption: Sandya Kodithuwakku - an entrepreneur from Anamaduwa who is looking for support via the programme.
