Social Finance

Community spaces are what bring people together. In trying and often dividing times, they can be a source of joy and connection. However, the level of capital funding required to bring these long term projects to life can be difficult to fundraise for.

In recent years, there’s been a lot of buzz, and skepticism, about Sweden’s efforts to move to a cashless economy. Other countries are following suit. In the place of physical cash, these economies are increasingly using credit, debit, and mobile payments for financial transactions. One central criticism of cashless economies is that the reliance on technology will exclude vulnerable populations – those who are most likely to be unbanked or have low digital literacy or technology access.

Each month, we will take you behind the scenes to introduce you to the teams that are dedicated to empowering the world’s poorest people to become entrepreneurs. You will meet Field Officers, volunteers, and Whole Planet Foundation staff. Through their stories you will get a glimpse into a day on the job—whether it is in Austin, Texas or Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

In February 2018, Scotiabank Chile was invited to share best practices for Gender Equality at the 4th Global Forum of Companies for Gender Equity, an event organized by the United Nations Development Program, the Government of Chile, UN Women and the International Labour Organization. Scotiabank Chile was the only private bank invited to participate in the meeting.

WPF’s Field Officer Appreciation Award is an initiative to support our partners to recognize the hard work done by field staff on the front lines of microfinance. During quarter one, WPF disbursed prizes to the field officers who were nominated by our microfinance partners at the end of 2018. Here are some highlights from this group of nominees from the Asia/Pacific region and some lovely award ceremonies that our partners have shared. Even with personalized recognition, all the staff chose to share their prize with their colleagues and/or the clients they serve!

Talking with kids about money to improve financial literacy is increasingly recognized as a priority, not only for Canada's young people, but also for the future financial health of individuals, families and communities.

There is growing recognition across Canada and around the world of the correlation between financial health and physical and mental health and wellbeing. Many Canadians of all ages are struggling with stress, anxiety and feeling out of control in managing their financial affairs. The TWOKAM program helps to engage parents and teachers in talking with youth about money. It can help prepare youth to manage their financial futures and avoid the stresses faced by so many Canadians today. And teachers and parents are listening– and getting involved.

Finance companies to improve competitive advantage by advancing racial equity.

The Wisdom Fund, a fixed income vehicle that increases capital access and lending for women-owned businesses, was created by CNote in partnership with mission-driven lender CDC Small Business Finance and four innovative nonprofits.

In this series, we introduce you to the winners of Goldcorp’s Global Excellence Awards 2019. The Awards were launched in 2014 and are held every year to celebrate excellence and recognize achievements and successes made by individuals and teams across our organization who are thinking innovatively, finding ways to improve our business and supporting our vision of Together, Creating Sustainable Value.

Whole Planet Foundation focuses on microloans, which the organization has designed for ease of access; the way in which this program works is critical because acquiring seed money is a formidable task for anyone in poverty. TriplePundit’s Tina Casey recently showcased how Whole Planet Foundation is partnering with several food companies to make a global impact for the better.