An Interview With Dr. Muhammad Yunus

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, co-founder of Grameen Bank and "father" of microfinance, recently came to the US for a speaking tour. This interview highlights the moral and ethical force with which he speaks about ending poverty and bringing human dignity and respect to all.

Addition vs. Duplication in Social Entrepreneurship

I think that one of the most important things for any social entrepreneur to ask him or herself--and, by extension, any social venture, be it non-profit or for-profit--is whether the work they are doing is additive or duplicative.  There is no shortage of good-willed people, and organizations started by them, in this country; instead, what we lack are organizations that build upon the work of other players--governmental, for-profit, non-profit, community-based, faith-based, etc.--rather than duplicate that work.  In our case, when we started thinking about how to tackle the $100 billion/year predatory lending industry, we realized that we could never replicate the brick-and-mortar infrastructure of payday lenders, check cashers, pawn shows, auto title lenders and the rest of the gaggle the preys on the poor. 

It's Not So Easy Being Green

I have an MA in Environmental Studies. I wrote my masters thesis on how to use financial services to empower people out of poverty and, as they do so, take action on environmental issues.  For 7 seven years my bicycle was my only means of transportation; I have solar panels on the roof of my condo and even a rain barrel...In short, you'd think I'd be the least likely of people to struggle with making a choice between the 'green' and 'gray' options.  Alas, it's not so simple.

Introducing The TECH Project

"What," you might be wondering, "does Capital Good Fund, an organization that provides financial services for the poor, have to do with education?"  Well, we're glad you asked! The TECH (Technology, Education & Community for Holistic-schools) Project brings together parents, teachers, students, and other stakeholders to foster vibrant school communities with the dual intention of increasing educational outcomes and lowering rates of poverty.

Hiring a Creative Officer!

CGF’s Creative Officer will work to create a press kit, videos about CGF’s work and borrowers, graphics that explain our business model and other important needs, and training materials for clients. 

Seeking a Special Projects Coordinator

Capital Good Fund (CGF) and Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI) recently signed a contract to pilot an innovative program through which we partner with underperforming elementary and middle schools to provide the parents with the following services: loans for computers and Internet service, digital literacy training and financial coaching. 

Hiring a Head Loan Officer

The Head Loan Officer will be tasked with closing at least 250 loans during the year of his or her service, while also maintaining a high repayment rate.  Accomplishing this will require an ability to become deeply embedded in the communities that CGF serves.