Our partners in India
Opportunity International Australia's partners in India - figures current at June 2011.
Cashpor
Cashpor has been operating since 1997, serving poor women in rural areas surrounding Varanasi. It is one of the largest microfinance institutions in northern India, currently serving close to 429,300 loan clients.
EMFIL
EMFIL is the microfinance branch of ESAF, a social development society that has been operating out of Kerala since 1992. It currently serves more than 305,800 clients.
BFL
BFL was established in 2003 as the microfinance division of Bullock-cart Workers' Development Association (BWDA). BFL serves clode to 202,600 clients throughout Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Sharada
Sharada is an experienced urban-based microfinance institution serving more than 134,600 clients throughout five states of India – Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
RGVN-CSP
RGVN operates in north-eastern India, in the remote and underserved state of Assam. In 1995, RGVN commenced its credit and savings program, which now serves more than 134,600 clients.
Saadhana
From its humble beginnings in a small apartment, Saadhana is now the leading microfinance institution in the Kurnool district. Saadhana was established in 2001 with a clear mission to catalyse the endeavours of the poor for a brighter future. It now serves more than 75,600 people (figures current at December 2010).
Adhikar
Adhikar is based in Orissa, one of India's most impoverished states. It delivers a broad range of services to close to 63,300 clients.
GO Finance
Established in 1996, GO Finance is a long-term partner of Opportunity International Australia. It operates in Chennai, which is home to 1.5 million slum dwellers. It currently serves 54,000 clients.
People's Forum
People’s Forum is a microfinance institution based in Orissa, one of India’s most impoverished states. In addition to its microfinance operations, People’s Forum undertakes several development programs including the rehabilitation of mentally ill women. It currently serves more than 46,200 people.
Samhita
Samhita is a start-up microfinance institution based in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, where hunger and poverty are rife. Launched in late 2007, it currently serves more than 24,700 clients.
Annapurna
Annapurna is dedicated to serving poor communities in the cities of Mumbai and Pune. Annapurna currently serves close to 26,900 clients.
Ajiwika
Ajiwika is based in Jharkhand, an impoverished state, with a high tribal population. Ajiwika is currently serving more than 20,400 clients.
Arth
Arth was established in May 2007 as the microfinance branch of the Indian Institute of Rural Development (IIRD), which has conducted social development projects since 1994. Arth currently serves 20,600 borrowers.
Margdarshak
Margdarshak is based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 2004 as a consultancy to the development sector, Margdarshak commenced microfinance operations in July 2007, and currently serves 23,100 clients.
C-DOT
C-Dot was established in 2000 by a group of professionals committed to alleviating poverty in their home state. C-DOT serves more than 10,200 clients throughout nine operating branches in rural Bihar.
Shikhar
Shikhar is based in the National Capital Region of Delhi. Established in 2007, currently serveing close to 13,900 clients.
Prayas
Prayas has a history of serving the most marginalised groups in society, including; indigenous tribes, former sex workers and the 'Siddi' tribal group. Prayas operates in the states of Gujurat and Madhya Pradesh and serves close to 9,300 clients.
Sambandh
Sambandh is the microfinance initiative of the Regional Rural Development Centre (RRDC). Launched in 2006, Sambandh serves more than 6,300 clients in the urban areas of Sundargarh.