Women INvesting in Women INitiative via Calvert Foundation CIN
Loan
Raises funds for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in both the US and around the world
For millions of disadvantaged people in the U.S. and internationally, the door to financial opportunity is closed. Since 1995, Calvert Foundation has been working to open that door and let people in. Calvert Foundation is a nonprofit that has pioneered a new type of investing through our Community Investment Note that delivers a social and financial return. We make it possible for everyday people to invest in organizations around the world that empower people living in low-income communities.
The Note was the first retail impact investment with a global reach available to non-accredited investors, and through our new Women INvesting in Women INitiative (WIN-WIN), Calvert Foundation is the first organization to offer a retail impact investment product with a gender lens. We believe in giving a hand-up and enabling people to lift themselves out of poverty.
Summary
The Women INvesting in Women INitiative is comprised of investments funded by women targeted to women in the U.S. and throughout the world. These investments will work to serve and empower women so that they can become agents of their own economic power and opportunity.
Social Impact
The WIN WIN Initiative will fund microlenders focusing on female entrepreneurs, community health centers serving women, childcare facilities, affordable assisted living, female small business lenders, and organizations seeking to expand capital to women around the world.
The World Bank calls investing in women “smart economics” because research shows economic growth for women has an important multiplier effect. Women are more likely to share their economic gains with their families and communities at large.
Impact Example
For nearly 40 years, Jane Skeeter has created customized architectural glass for clients in hospitality and retail. Yet she has also had her share of challenges. In 1991, an arson fire burned her workspace to the ground. Just three years later, an earthquake left her Los Angeles-based business in ruins. In August 2001, with business thriving, Jane purchased a building for her company. Just one month later, 9/11 put an end to that momentum. Current economic conditions have made it tough, but Jane has persevered. Recently she took out a loan from Calvert Foundation borrower Valley Economic Development Corporation (VEDC), which fills a critical gap in financing for small business entrepreneurs seeking capital. Most of their clients cannot get financing from traditional sources, either because of a lack of credit history or because they want to borrow amounts as low as $1,000. Impressed with Jane’s history and plan for growth, VEDC provided a loan that allowed Jane to purchase new equipment, which will allow her to produce more in less time, using less power, and grow her staff by an additional 65 employees.
