Developed in Belgium, Alterfin provides a solution to Sustainable Cities and Communities – in line with sustainable development goals of the UN.
Alterfin is a Belgian cooperative that provides short- and long-term loans for microfinance institutions and agricultural SMEs to finance their working capital.
The organization aims to provide financing to microfinance partners to ensure financial inclusion for vulnerable populations, particularly women and those in rural areas, who do not have access to banking services.
By providing financing to its partners, Alterfin helps create new market opportunities for smallholder farmers, which in turn helps improve their income and living conditions. The organization also supports agricultural SMEs by providing financial support to those that face a funding gap and are considered ‘high-risk’ by traditional lenders.
Positive facts about Alterfin :
- Ensure financial inclusion for more than 4 million people around the world, 66% of whom are women and 62% of whom live in rural areas
- Create new market opportunities for more than 135,000 smallholder farmers
- Provide financial support to more than 70 agricultural businesses
- 60% of farmers supported by Alterfin have organic farming and/or fair trade certification
Alterfin’s focus on sustainable agriculture is vital to the planet, given that agriculture contributes significantly to climate change. Alterfin only finances sustainable agriculture projects and 60% of the farmers supported by Alterfin have organic farming and/or fair trade certification. By supporting sustainable agriculture, Alterfin encourages the global transition to sustainable food and agriculture, which is essential for healthy ecosystems and the sustainable management of natural resources.
To maximize its social and environmental impact, Alterfin carries out rigorous analyses of its partners’ social and environmental performance using a bespoke tool. The organization also conducts evidence-based impact assessments by interviewing its partners and their final beneficiaries to ensure the positive impact of its work.
In addition to providing financial services, Alterfin also offers non-financial services such as technical assistance projects to meet its partners’ needs. By doing so, Alterfin empowers its partners and increases their impact on the populations they support.
Become a co-op member with Alterfin
Do you want to take action to help vulnerable families secure a decent income and protect the planet?
Become an Alterfin co-op member : https://en.alterfin.be/why-invest
You can become a co-op member for as little as 62.50 euros (250 euros if you’re a non-profit organization or a company).
Alterfin website :
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