Programs: FHAF
Announced:
August 1, 2011
Category:
Supporting Micro Finance Institutions & Micro Entrepreneurs
Fund Amount: $850,000 Grant
In this video, see how FHAF is empowering Haitian businesswomen.
See more in the FHAF Photo Gallery.
Fonds Haïtien d’Aide à la Femme (FHAF), meaning "Haitian Fund to Help Women" in Creole, was established by women nearly 30 years ago, making it Haiti's oldest microfinance institution. Since then, it has served thousands of female micro-entrepreneurs throughout Haiti.
The January 2010 earthquake shook FHAF both physically and financially. The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB), provided a grant to FHAF so it could continue operating post-earthquake, and financed an initial diagnosis of FHAF’s financial situation. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund grant allowed FHAF to restucture its business to successfully lend again. Business improvements include an updated technology system and new FHAF staff, including hiring Haitians for key director positions.
Why We Invested in FHAF
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund's grant to FHAF reflects the mission to support the restart and expansion of microenterprises, of which women are key contributors, by strengthening a Haitian microfinance institution that lends primarily to women entrepreneurs.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
- Strengthened a Haitian microfinance institution that provides credit to small and growing businesses.
- Offered business loans to underserved Haitians, particularly women in rural communities.
- Invigorated families and communities by bringing women into the formal economy.
- Hired and trained Haitian microfinance supervisors, providing them with leadership skills.
About Fonds Haïtien d’Aide à la Femme
Fonds Haïtien d’Aide à la Femme (FHAF) is Haiti’s oldest, and only women-created and women-led, microfinance institution. It has been a pioneer of loans for small and growing businesses in Haiti, and has a deep understanding of the market, with nearly 30 years of experience. FHAF’s loans cover 80% of the country, including deep rural areas with little to no access to financial services.
