The CGAP Course for Microfinance Funders builds on CGAP's aid effectiveness agenda to make donor funding for financial inclusion more responsible and effective.  In association with CGAP, the MFMI manages the implementation and offer of the Course.  This five-day course was previously referred to as the "donor course."

Upcoming Courses for Funders

For more information, please contact Natasa Goronja at ngoronja@themfmi.org.

Who should attend the Course?

The Course is specifically designed for development professionals, policymakers, and investors who would benefit from a deeper understanding of microfinance to assist their work in

• international development agencies (e.g., the UN, as well as multilateral, bilateral, and non-governmental donors);
  
  
• socially responsible investment companies that focus on developing countries;
  
  
• government agencies, diplomatic missions, and central banks
  
  
• pro-poor policies and poverty reduction
  
  
• economic and private sector development,
  
  
• promotion of livelihoods, employment and gender equality
  
  
• crisis prevention and recovery, environment, and health and the relationship of these areas to financial services.

What is the Course Content?

• An overview of contemporary microfinance
  
  
• State-of-the-art principles and practical recommendations for how donors, investors and policymakers can effectively help build financial sectors that serve the poor
  
  
• Criteria for evaluating microfinance projects and investments
  
  
• Techniques and tools for managing microfinance projects and investments based on their performance
  
  
• Recommendations for creating policy frameworks that promote financial services for the poor
  
  
• How to develop agency-specific strategies and action plans for microfinance projects and investments

Participant Feedback

Over 400 participants have attended these courses, aimed at funders, during the last three years.  Some of the feedback from participants follows:

"The training was excellent -- and the field visit was the highlight of my trip.  Bringing the training to the field was a plus factor because it highlighted how dynamic and varied the microfinance field is."

"I have really enjoyed this training; I have just been assigned a new microfinance portfolio therefore the timing is just right."

"I would like to thank you again for providing us with such a wonderful five-day workshop.  I think we learned a lot about internationally recognized practices and methods."