APPLY FOR SEEP’S 2008 “NETWORK OF THE YEAR” AWARD

Each year, SEEP recognizes one of its network partners for outstanding work in one of the six areas of network effectiveness (Governance, Operations, Human Resources, Financial Viability, External Relations, and Service Delivery). This year, SEEP wishes to recognize a regional or country-level microfinance network that has achieved distinguished success in the area of financial viability.

A network with strong financial viability typically has developed various funding mechanisms (i.e. member contributions, special-event fees, tuition and consulting fees, donor grants, government grants, endowments) that allow it to achieve financial self-sufficiency in order to guarantee long-term sustainability. Additionally, member contributions should be one of the primary sources of funding, which demonstrates the value of the organization to its members.

To nominate your network, send your application to Rathi Mani, mani@seepnetwork.org before September 30, 2008. In your email, briefly provide the following information (no more than 2 pages total):

1. What activities did your network undertake to improve its financial viability in the past year?

• What have been the results (short- or long-term) of these improvements?
• What has been the feedback from members, staff, board, or outside stakeholders on these improvements?

2. What did your network do last year to diversify funding sources?

• What have been the results (short- and long-term) of these improvements?
• What has been the feedback from members, staff, board, or outside stakeholders on these improvements?

3. What is your network’s strategy to increase member contributions to the network?

4. Describe a challenge to financial viability that your network has recently faced and explain how it will(or has)overcome these specific challenges?

In 2007, SEEP recognized both the Azerbaijan Micro-finance Association (AMFA) and Red Financiera Rural (RFR) of Ecuador as co-winners of the Network of the Year Award for demonstrated excellence in service delivery. This year’s winner will be announced and presented with a plaque at a reception (sponsored by the Citi Foundation) following the Global Network Summit on Wednesday, November 5, 2008.

Thank you for applying!