Give a Gift to Mom, Help a Woman Microentrepreneur Get a Loan
Microfinance is widely known as a strategy to empower women. Indeed, several international microfinance institutions lend almost exclusively to women. (Women entrepreneurs are generally seen as more likely to repay their loans, to reinvest profits in their families, and less likely to skip town.) In the United States, ACCION USA lends both to men and women, although special programs emphasize the importance of improving women’s access to credit.
I am thrilled to report that two influential women have recently thrown their support behind ACCION USA’s work in the form of two extraordinarily charitable donations.
From now until May 10, a portion of sales at ToryBurch.com will be donated to ACCION USA.
- Cheryl Saban, Ph.D., author, psychologist, philanthropist, and family advocate recently announced the creation of the Women’s Self-Worth Foundation and its inaugural gift of $1 million to ACCION’s U.S. programs. The grant coincides with the release of Dr. Saban’s new book, WHAT IS YOUR SELF WORTH? A Woman’s Guide to Validation. 100% of the book’s proceeds will go to support women’s causes. If you buy the book on Amazon.com via this link, Amazon will donate a portion of the sale price to ACCION USA. [Watch Dr. Saban announce her gift on the April 30 episode of The Today Show]
- Tory Burch has announced that in honor of Mother’s Day, from now until May 10, a portion of handbag and other sales will be donated to ACCION USA. When you buy a handbag or apparel for Mom at ToryBurch.com, ACCION USA will receive a cash donation. We stand to receive up to $15,000! (After all, who has too many handbags – especially Tory Burch handbags?)
These are two wonderful examples of the intersection between individual and corporate philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector. ACCION USA already teams with the Boston Beer Co. on the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program, which provides microloans to low- and moderate-income microentrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. As corporate social responsibility, cause marketing, and other innovative philanthropic techniques gain traction, ACCION USA will be actively seeking new partners. Do you have an idea about who could partner with ACCION USA to help get microloans into the hands of women (or other underserved entrepreneurs)? Let us know!