On March 31, 2010, SEEP Network announced the launch of its Suite of Tools for Microfinance Association Professionals through support from the Citi Foundation. This suite of 15 cutting-edge tools are specifically designed to help national and regional microfinance associations fuel the growth and development of the microfinance industry in their regions. These tools were developed by SEEP’s Network Development Services team in collaboration with microfinance associations around the world as a part of the Citi Network Strengthening Program.
Pam Flaherty, President and CEO of the Citi Foundation remarked, “We are very pleased that our support of the Citi Network Strengthening Program has resulted in the creation of this robust suite of knowledge building tools that are taking lessons learned by the twelve networks participating in the program, and sharing them with microfinance associations worldwide.”
“These tools offer excellent resources and learning opportunities for associations. Their practical guidance will help microfinance associations enhance their strategic approach to managing their organizations, their relationships with members, and their role as a central voice for the microfinance sector in their countries or regions,” commented Francisco De Hoyos Parra, Director General, ProDesarrollo, Finanzas y Microempresa, A.C.
The new suite of tools includes six technical notes, four toolkits, and two guides. For a brief description of the tools click here. The 15 tools are divided into four categories:
Building Strong Associations: Strengthening microfinance associations through six areas of organizational effectiveness
• Ensuring Good Governance: A Guide for Microfinance Associations
• Effective Policy Advocacy: A Toolkit for Microfinance Associations
• Member Feedback Tool: An On-line Platform for Assessming Member Needs and Satisfaction
• Managing Your Association’s Brand: The Strategic Importance of Integrated Marketing Communications
• Membership Strategies for Microfinance Associations: An Extensive Review of Practices from the Field*
• Product Costing and Performance Analysis: A Toolkit for Analyzing Associations’ Service Offerings
• Strategic and Business Planning: A Guide for Microfinance Associations*
Providing Valuable Services: Improving association products and service offerings to members in their markets
• How to Promote Industry Innovation: A Technical Note for Microfinance Associations
• Investment Readiness and Microfinance Associations: Bridging the Financing Gap
• Performing a State of the Sector Analysis: A Guide for Microfinance Associations
• Promoting Credit Bureaus: The Role of Microfinance Associations
• Training Approaches: A Technical Note for Microfinance Associations*
Promoting Standards of Practice: Developing and promoting indicators and standards of excellence for microfinance associations
• Building Vibrant and Inclusive Financial Sectors: Success Indicators for Microfinance Associations
• Capacity Assessment Tool for Microfinance Associations NCAT 5.0
Connecting in a Global Community: Providing opportunities for practitioners to come together in a global learning community
• Network Development Exchange