Eliminating Poverty Through Microcredit
The Foundation for Women is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and registered non-government organization working to end poverty through microcredit programs.
MicrofinanceFor over 20 years, the Foundation for Women (FFW) has lifted families out of poverty through microcredit. Modeled on the Grameen-style micro-lending concept, FFW spearheaded the launch of microfinance in Liberia. Since the program's inception in 2006, we have brought a new level of economic empowerment and independence to over 35,000 women.
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EducationFFW works in partnership with Edify to provide loans to schools in Liberia and build long-lasting sustainability. Since 2013, the program has helped over 600 schools and is growing steadily as a model of improving the quality of education. In the program’s first 5 years alone, we provided over $275,000 in loan capital for training and technology, improving the educational outcomes of over 18,000 students.
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HealthcareLiberia’s healthcare system has been ravaged by decades of war and economic instability. In a country of almost 5 million people, with over 80% living below the poverty line, very few have access to health services. Responding to this urgent need, FFW launched a 3-pronged initiative in 2018 in an effort to build health care capacity in the private sector, where over 70% of Liberians seek care.
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HousingFFW works in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International to bring housing help to Liberian families. Affordable safe housing is a huge challenge in this country where the majority of the population lives well below the global poverty level of $2/day. We are thrilled that of all possible partners, Habitat chose the Foundation for Women – a true testimony to the quality of our work.
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News
International Women's Day 2021
Liberia - After 9 long months away due to COVID, I finally returned to Liberia in December and am very grateful to be here. We are perfecting a collective impact model for social change unlike anything anywhere. In celebration of this International Women’s Day 2021, I am reflecting on the millions of women and family members with whom we have been blessed to connect since our inception in the late 1990’s. An unbelievable journey, one I never could have imagined…read more.
Liberia - After 9 long months away due to COVID, I finally returned to Liberia in December and am very grateful to be here. We are perfecting a collective impact model for social change unlike anything anywhere. In celebration of this International Women’s Day 2021, I am reflecting on the millions of women and family members with whom we have been blessed to connect since our inception in the late 1990’s. An unbelievable journey, one I never could have imagined…read more.
FFW adds a 4th pillar of service – Housing Help
2/27/21 - Monrovia, Liberia – FFW is committed to “Collective Impact” – working together with partners to achieve the greatest social impact, change, and justice. In keeping with this commitment, we recently formalized a partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, the most noted expert in housing help globally. Habitat sought a partner in Liberia to help them bring their housing expertise to this country after leaving decades ago due to the unprecedented civil war. Of all possible partners, Habitat chose the Foundation for Women – a tremendous testimony to the quality of work we do and are known for in Liberia. Affordable safe housing is a huge challenge in this country of 5 million people, the majority of whom live well below the global poverty level of $2/day. Read more.
2/27/21 - Monrovia, Liberia – FFW is committed to “Collective Impact” – working together with partners to achieve the greatest social impact, change, and justice. In keeping with this commitment, we recently formalized a partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, the most noted expert in housing help globally. Habitat sought a partner in Liberia to help them bring their housing expertise to this country after leaving decades ago due to the unprecedented civil war. Of all possible partners, Habitat chose the Foundation for Women – a tremendous testimony to the quality of work we do and are known for in Liberia. Affordable safe housing is a huge challenge in this country of 5 million people, the majority of whom live well below the global poverty level of $2/day. Read more.
Watch our Videos - New!
From the story of how the Foundation for Women got started to documentaries filmed in Liberia by Liberians, the Foundation for Women has a new page with all of our videos. "ONE" takes you into the early days of FFW in India where it all began with a $4 loan. In "I Challenge Life" you'll meet program participants and see how microcredit loans save lives and build communities. "Hope" tells the story of how Liberia survived the terrifying enemy of Ebola, and "Only Love" shares the story of how Liberia has emerged from it's history of civil war and struggle with Ebola to regain stability while still facing the challenges of poverty, limited healthcare and scarce educational resources. Watch our videos.
From the story of how the Foundation for Women got started to documentaries filmed in Liberia by Liberians, the Foundation for Women has a new page with all of our videos. "ONE" takes you into the early days of FFW in India where it all began with a $4 loan. In "I Challenge Life" you'll meet program participants and see how microcredit loans save lives and build communities. "Hope" tells the story of how Liberia survived the terrifying enemy of Ebola, and "Only Love" shares the story of how Liberia has emerged from it's history of civil war and struggle with Ebola to regain stability while still facing the challenges of poverty, limited healthcare and scarce educational resources. Watch our videos.