Citi Network Strengthening Program-The overall goal of the program is to strengthen the operational, technical, and financial capacities of
twelve national and regional microfinance networks as a means to promote growth and development of local microfinance industries. Specifically, the program aims to strengthen the networks’ capacity to achieve the following objectives: provide demand driven services to member microfinance institutions, become influential representatives on behalf of the microfinance
sector, develop industry infrastructure, and build cross-sector support to help stimulate progress among microfinance networks in other countries.
The SEEP Market Forecast- SEEP successfully launched the first-ever survey (see sample) specifically designed for practitioners in the field, formulating next-quarter statistics based on a series of questions directed to MFIs on current portfolio size, growth plans, and other information regarding their business environment. SEEP anticipates a complete market forecast with visible trends over the course of three quarters to be available to participants by mid-July 2010.
Building Vibrant and Inclusive Financial Sectors: Success Indicators for Microfinance Associations- SEEP has engaged microfinance associations around the world in a process to define indicators of success and the metrics that could be used to track these indicators. SEEP plans to work with 15-20 associations to further pilot the indicators, explore opportunities for data collection and reporting systems to be implemented in 2011, and to continue to engage associations and other stakeholders in further refining the indicators.
Membership Strategies for Microfinance Associations: An Extensive Review of Practices from the Field- Most microfinance associations are member based and as such the membership strategy touches on all aspects of the organizational strategy. The review examines the experiences of different types of microfinance associations with diverse membership (size, type, geography) in defining a membership package, providing member services and establishing revenue targets.
*PAST INITIATIVES*
Ford Foundation: Capacity Building for Development Finance Networks- In 2007, The Ford Foundation provided support for The SEEP Network to carry out a two year grant program focused on building network capacity, developing innovative tools and products, and providing technical assistance for strengthening regional and country-level networks.
Identifying Financial Performance Ratios for Microfinance Networks- As the industry matures, it is becoming increasingly important for microfinance
associations to measure their own financial performance. The SEEP Network has outlined a standard set of financial indicators that will ensure better resource planning, improved strategy development, and enable associations to analyze their financial performance.