NGOs and microfinance institutions (MFIs) can apply for the Social Performance Reporting Award organized by the World Bank’s Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) in collaboration with the Micheal & Susan Dell Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the Social Performance Task Force and the award by powered by the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX). The purpose of the award is “to promote greater performance in MFIs; social performance.” The award emphasizes on transparency in social performance reporting rather than social performance achievements. The rapid increase and diversification of microfinance for empowering the poor have also led to the greater attention paid towards the operations aspects of the program. Microfinance is no more limited to just offering savings and credit services; higher competition has enhanced expectations for professional management. This award is given out in response to the need for implementing standards in microfinance operations providing services to the poor. The award has three levels based on the social performance indicators in addition to providing recognition through certificates and honouring the winners at major regional events on microfinance. The levels are:
- MFI Silver Certificate Award for MFIs that comply with minimum SPTF core disclosure requirements (Part I of indicators’ form)
- MFI Gold Certificate Award for MFIs that comply with SPTF core disclosures requirements (Part I, II and Poverty Measurement data) and a third-party validation report of poverty outreach data.
- Network award for networks that have at least 50% of their affiliates eligible to receive a Silver or Gold Award.
NGOs and MFIs interested in applying can request the application form or access it at the website. The last date to apply for the award is 15 September 2009. For more, visit this link.
