(= Unlimiting People) is a small German NGO/charity group that funds and monitors micro-loans (or micro-loan projects).
Micro loans are small loans, usually starting around US$ 50 with low or no interest rates. The recipients are mostly women, single parents and families in poor and developing countries who have the capability to become economically active but lack the financial possibilities to put their ideas into action.
was founded by the German law firm P+P Pöllath+Partners (and their foundation "Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe") in 2000 and is a non-profit organization fully financed through donations. All administrative costs of
are covered by its founder. This way 100% of the UP funds can be invested in loan projects.
distributes micro loans in many countries, mostly in the rural areas of south-east Asia, working closely together with local partner organizations and NGOs which monitor the
projects.
Contributions made to the Foundation are fully tax-deductible. The Foundation issues receipts for German tax purposes.
is periodically audited and reviewed by German foundation and tax offices and is a member of the Association of German Foundations.
If you want to know more about us please
e-mail to
Gudrun Birk
E-mail:
contact@up-micro-loans.org
or
Raimunda Pöllath
E-mail:
contact@up-micro-loans.org
Our philosophy
We believe in people - particularly in their ability, their determination and entrepreneurship.
relies on people, their integrity, and the power of their desire to shape their own lives. We provide capital for families in need so that they can participate and invest in income generating activities, which allow them to become economically independent. Together with us the participants get the chance to break the cycle of poverty, gain self -confidence, free themselves from dependency on local money lenders who charge immense interest rates, stimulate the process of emancipation especially for women, stop the migration into the cities, strengthen the bond within the communities and animate the local markets.
seeks to invest in people who strive to be independent. A small loan in combination with the support from the local NGOs is often all they need. They themselves bring the rest: a motivating idea, some expertise, for example in farming or handicraft and - most important - the determination to implement their idea.
Our slogan is Maria Montessori's famous words:
"Help me to do it myself"
How we work
distributes micro loans to people who live below the poverty line, target groups being women, single mothers and families who try to set up a small business. We work closely together with local partner organisations or NGOs which are locally established, know the people personally and have prior experience in implementing micro-credit projects.
The partner NGO has to assure impartial and equal treatment for all applicants. Furthermore the NGO holds the financial responsibility for the loan and has to have the ability to budget and control the budget.
When the loan has been paid the NGO has to be available to the borrower for help when it is needed and has to hold mandatory regular training and meetings where the repayment instalments are controlled and collected.
After a project has successfully ended the NGO has the possibility to reapply for a new project.
