The 6th European Microfinance Award

The 6th European Microfinance Award

Deadline: 3 June 2015
Open to: institutions that have demonstrated an integrated response to support and build resilience for vulnerable households and communities
Grant: the Award of €100,000

Description

The European Microfinance Platform is pleased to announce that the 6th European Microfinance Award recognizes microfinance in post-disaster, post-conflict areas and fragile states, and welcomes applications from institutions that have demonstrated an integrated response to support and build resilience for vulnerable households and communities living in exceptionally difficult environments or circumstances.

After natural disasters, health crises or armed conflicts, populations experience critical levels of poverty, insecurity and instability. Not just people, but infrastructure, economic conditions, social cohesion and mobility are all victims of disaster or conflict in so-called “fragile states”. And while addressing these challenges requires a spectrum of interventions, microfinance – alongside traditional relief and aid channels – can play a key role in creating employment, driving economic growth, ensuring a range of critical services, and bringing people together during times of need and shared challenge.

Eligibility

Various types of microfinance institutions are eligible including NGOs, cooperatives, MFI networks, investments funds, commercial banks, development banks, leasing firms, insurance companies, etc. They must be active in the financial services sector and be based in a developing country. In addition, they must be operate in the microfinance sector in a post-disaster or post-conflict area in developing or emerging countries. Successful applicants should demonstrate an effective strategy to increase both their own resilience (i.e. operations, staff, policy, control) and that of their clients (appropriate financial and non-financial services), while ensuring responses that provide both for the immediate, medium- and long-term needs of the latter.

Grants

€100 000 award granted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs – Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs and is jointly organised by the Ministry, the European Microfinance Platform and the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg in cooperation with the European Investment Bank will be awarded during European Microfinance Week in November 2015.

How to apply?

The closing date for applications is 3 June 2015, 5 p.m. CET. To apply please send your completed Application Form together with the e-MFP member support letter and the required additional materials (see the Application Form), via e-mail to contact@e-mfp.eu.

For more specific information please check the Explanatory note or official website.

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