The Capital Good Fund is a non-profit microlender based in Providence, Rhode Island. Our mission is to create a poverty-free, inclusive green economy through innovative microfinance. We provide loans, workshops and consulting services to individuals unable to access capital through traditional sources. These products and services go to entrepreneurs seeking capital for income-generating activities and to immigrants interested in applying for U.S. citizenship. We are also developing a green credit builder loan program.
CGF Presents to 60 Daycare Providers
February 8, 2010
Andy Posner chats with members of the audience
On Saturday, February 6, Director Andy Posner and Loan Officer Sara Azout presented CGF’s products and services to a group of 60 low and moderate-income daycare providers at Ready to Learn Providence. The audience consisted of 60 female entrepreneurs, all of whom have their own daycare businesses throughout Rhode Island. As such, it was a perfect group to tell about CGF’s business loans and business workshops. In addition, many of the audience members were intrigued by CGF’s green credit builder loan, as they well understand the importance of having a solid credit score.
Andy and Sara not only walked away from the meeting with a large list of people who had written down their contact information so as to apply for loans and workshops, but also with a better understanding of the needs and concerns of CGF’s target market. For example, they received many questions pertaining to whether or not the interest rate on the loans is variable; whether collateral is required, and so on. Of course, the interest rate is not variable and CGf does not ask for collateral, but these questions emphasized the importance of making that fact abundantly clear. In short, CGF is thrilled to be reaching out so effectively to the community and homing in on exactly the people that stand to benefit most from what it has to offer.
January Newsletter Now Available
February 8, 2010
We are excited to put out our January newsletter, outlining our major activities during the month of January. As always, we encourage our supporters to contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions. If you wish to sign up for the newsletter, shoot us an email at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or click the “Contact Us” tab above. Click here to access the newsletter.
CGF Staff Travels to Bangladesh to Receive Training From Grameen Bank!
January 2, 2010
CGF’s Director, Andy Posner, and Director of Business and Financial Literacy Training, Jill Lambiase, are currently in Bangladesh getting trained by Grameen Bank in their Nobel-Peace Prize winning lending methodology. The aim is for Jill and Andy to apply what they learn in Bangladesh to Capital Good Fund upon returning to the U.S. Throughout their trip they will be blogging; be sure to check the CGF blog, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages, for the latest updates. Click here to access the blog.
Buy A Capital Good Fund Holiday Card!
December 21, 2009
We are pleased to be selling a limited number of CGF holiday cards. These beautiful cards make a great holiday gift and are also an excellent way of spreading the message about CGF’s mission, loan products and services. To see more photos of these great holiday cards and to place an order, just continue reading. We will ship your cards the day after you place your order
Apply to Become a CGF Staff Member
December 19, 2009
Are you interested in becoming a Capital Good Fund staff member? We are currently accepting applications for Spring semester 2010 (starting January 31). CGF is a growing, young organization with an innovation mission and business model. We are seeking motivated, qualified and dedicated people that can devote at LEAST 5 hours per week to building a poverty-free, inclusive green economy through innovative microfinance and technical assistance. In particular, we are seeking a graphic designer, fundraisers, instructors for our business and fianncial literacy workshops, loan officers and marketing team members. Click here to access and fill out the application. If you have any questions or would like more information, email us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
The establishment of The Capital Good Fund resulted directly from discussions with community leaders and organizations, all of whom identified a strong need to connect low and moderate-income individuals with affordable capital and additional support such as financial literacy training. Everything we do is centered on meeting that need and providing superb, professional services to our borrowers.
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Modern microfinance arose as a response to the fact that banks were not extending credit to the poor—and particularly the rural poor—of developing countries, and as a result people were forced to endure the usurious practices of moneylenders. Even in the United States, low and moderate-income individuals are effectively shut out of the financial system because of poor or no credit history…
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The Capital Good Fund's first business loan was made to Nina Gauvin. Nina's business, an Edutainment Center with Drop-Off Programs, Activity Centers, Tiny Town, Small Fitness and Room for Special Events and Birthday Parties called The Learn and Play Center, recently opened for business in Johnston, RI. Pictured here are Nina, along with Andy Posner, Co-Executive Director of CGF. Nina's passion, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial abilities have impressed everyone at CGF, and we are thrilled to be working with Nina. Stay tuned for more information about Nina and her business!
The International Institute of Rhode Island
The International Institute of Rhode Island offers educational, legal, and social support to Rhode Island’s immigrant population. By working with people and families as they transition into life in the United States, the Institute assists clients in effectively gaining socioeconomic independence.
Web Site address: International Institute of Rhode Island
Washington Trust
The Washington Trust Company is a Rhode Island based bank that was founded in 1800—making it the oldest community bank in America. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services, through its offices located in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Corporation’s common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: Washington Trust.