Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI) is a non-profit organization founded by a network of professional women in the Washington, D.C. area.

WMI makes loans available to impoverished women who have no access to banking services. Issuing affordable, collateral-free loans for as little as $50, WMI promotes women’s economic participation and carries the hope of prosperity to poor, rural areas of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Microfinance helps the poor grow tiny businesses to generate income that they can use for basic needs, education, healthcare, and savings. After two years in the WMI village-level loan program, women transition to bank loans and financial autonomy. They access institutional financial services and join their country’s formal economy.

WMI distributes loans through village-level organizations and works with these partners to develop social outreach networks.

WMI is a transparent, home-grown, non-profit organization dedicated to non-exploitive lending practices. It has no debt and minimal overhead costs: all U.S.-based board members, interns, and staff work on a volunteer basis.