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Thanks to a generous donor, every dollar you give to Root Capital will be doubled! Donate now to double your contribution to building sustainable livelihoods and transforming rural communities throughout the developing world. |
| In the News |
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National Smallholder Farmers' Association of Malawi (NASFAM)
Product: Peanuts Rosemary and her fellow farmers in Mchinji are now able to contribute not just to their own families’ well-beings, but also to the development of their community. Mchinji farmers have chosen to use the social premiums they receive from Fair Trade to construct a shelter at the district hospital for expectant mothers and family members who need lodging when they come to the hospital from far-flung rural villages. Without the farmer-funded shelter, hundreds of expectant mothers would be on their own. But thanks to NASFAM and its dedicated members like Rosemary, these women have a strong community behind them. |
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Root Capital has released its 2008 Financial Education and Training Report, which details the program's 2008 achievements, and outlines our 2009 goals. |
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Dear Friends, In late March, the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) held their global launch in London. BusinessWeek, The London Times and BBC were all on hand to cover the announcement of the formation of a network of top international development organizations, foundations and social venture funds to try to increase investment in and business assistance to SGBs and social entrepreneurs in frontier markets. Through collaborative efforts, the network will approach the issue of the “missing middle” between microfinance and traditional banking with proven business solutions that serve the world’s poorest population. Root Capital is honored to be a founding member of ANDE and serve on its executive committee.
In addition, a few weeks ago and also in London, I had the honor of accepting the Achievement in Banking at the Base of the Pyramid Award at the Sustainable Banking Conference sponsored by the Financial Times and the International Finance Corporation. The award highlights the development and delivery of innovative, viable and replicable financial products and services that engage and empower the poor. The significance of this award resides not just in the fact that it acknowledges and honors the impact that small and growing businesses have on the lives of the billions of people who survive on less than $2 a day, but in the fact that it is recognition by traditional and established financial institutions. The support of these institutions is critical to our vision of unlocking capital and having commercial banks understand the significance and influence of our model on the challenges of economic growth and job creation in developing countries.
I am inspired by the progress of our movement to bridge the “missing middle” and more motivated than ever to build on our current success to provide more opportunities for farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs and their communities throughout the world. On behalf of the Root Capital team, I thank you for your commitment to our progress and look forward to continuing on this journey together.
In deep gratitude,
William Foote |
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Root Capital Wins Financial Times and IFC
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Charity Navigator's 4-Star Rating Awarded to Root Capital
In the award letter, Ken Berger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charity Navigator, states "We are proud to announce Root Capital has earned our third consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 12% of the charities we rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Root Capital consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Root Capital from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust." |
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"Starbucks, Root Capital, and You. It's bigger than coffee."
View the full video
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On May 21, Root Capital's Cambridge team exchanged desks and computers for a day of farming. |
In recent months I have witnessed two important milestones in our progress towards empowering small and growing businesses (SGBs) in developing countries to achieve their economic potential and build sustainable livelihoods in their communities. 
The Financial Times and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, announced Root Capital as the recipient of its Achievement in Banking at the Bottom of the Pyramid Award. The award recognizes ground-breaking financial transactions and initiatives that address the Bottom or Base of the Pyramid (BoP), the more than 4 billion people who live on less than U
S$2 a day. It highlights the development and delivery of innovative, viable, and replicable financial products and services that engage and empower the poor. Founder and CEO William Foote accepted the award on behalf of Root Capital at the Financial Times Sustainable Banking Conference on June 4. At the conference, Foote also spoke on a panel entitled 
Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities, has awarded Root Capital a 
Root Capital's "Uncommon Heroes" film was recently featured on Starbucks Coffee Company's homepage and on its Shared Planet website as part of the launch of Starbucks’ 2008 Global Responsibility report. The video highlights our partnership’s impact on the lives of Tanzanian coffee farmers. 