Mission Statement: Grameen Foundation's mission is to empower the world's poorest people to lift themselves out of poverty with dignity through access to financial services and to information.

With tiny loans, financial services and technology, we help the poor, mostly women, start self-sustaining businesses to escape poverty. Founded in 1997 by a group of friends who were inspired by the work of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, our global network of microfinance partners reaches over 3 million families in 22 countries. 

Our Heritage: Grameen Bank

Inspired by the work of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Grameen Foundation was created to help share the Grameen philosophy and accelerate the impact of microfinance on the world’s poorest people. Started in 1976 by Professor Muhammad Yunus with a mere $27 from his own pocket, Grameen Bank today serves more than six million poor families with loans, savings, insurance and other services. The bank is fully owned by its clients and has been a model for microfinance institutions around the world.

Although they are independent organizations, Grameen Foundation and Grameen Bank maintain an enduring relationship. Grameen Foundation replicates the success of Grameen Bank internationally by supporting microfinance institutions that embody its vision and values. Professor Yunus is also a founding and current member of Grameen Foundation’s board of directors.

Grameen Foundation Values

1. Priority for the poorest and for women through effective targeting in recruitment and promotion of self-empowerment, and treating them with dignity and respect regardless of their socio-economic condition, race, disability, ethnicity, religion, age, health or marital status. 

2. Commitment to microfinance realizing its potential to be a solution implemented on the scale of the problem of world poverty.

3. Producing measurable results that demonstrate financial and social performance; commitment to prudent and businesslike practices as a means to achieving the ultimate goal – the elimination of poverty in the shortest possible time frame.

4. Commitment to transparency and accountability on all levels, and adoption of international standards wherever possible.

5. Commitment to innovation and to financial, social and environmental sustainability on all levels, especially to the socio-economic sustainability of clients, their families and businesses.

6. Dedication to exploring how microfinance can be a platform for multiple socio-economic empowerment strategies.

7. Sound governance, local ownership and management by social entrepreneurs; where possible, participation of clients in ownership and governance.

8. Professionalism among and empowerment of staff, and also the promotion and leveraging of volunteerism where appropriate.