CRS Publications: Microfinance

The Kibara Mission Hospital HIV Project, Tanzania

Phase II: Savings and Internal Lending Communities

Lisa Parrot with support from CRS Tanzania — 2008

CRS Tanzania’s HIV and MF project was recently featured in the SEEP Network’s “Promising Practices” series. This case study describes the role that savings and internal lending approaches to microfinance has played in strengthening the economic wellbeing of HIV affected households.

Language: English (769K) |

Savings and Internal Lending Communities:

A Basis for Integral Human Development

Guy Vanmeenen — 2006

This document draws on the insights, wisdom and field experience of many CRS MF practitioners in promoting savings-led Microfinance. Combined with a literature review on best practices, this document highlights several case studies where savings-led Microfinance has successfully supported other sector initiatives in promoting a more holistic approach to community development.

Language: English (2950K) |

Checklist for an Internal Audit

Muhota Kimotho and CRS Microfinance — 2005

Presented in a checklist format, this document is intended as structured guidance for the new internal auditor to facilitate his or her assessment of operations at a microfinance institution (MFI). At the same time, this guide is equally useful for the experienced internal auditor to reinforce his or her own understanding of important systems and procedures to review. This is not intended as a definitive document to replace an MFI’s own internal audit analysis. Instead, it should be adapted by its users to fit their specific processes and regularly updated.

Language: English (501K) |

Review of MAGI Assessment Experiences in South East Asia:

November 2003 – September 2004

Clarence G. Dingcong — 2004

This report documents the findings and lessons learned from eleven CRS-managed MAGI organizational assessments of partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Southeast Asia during 2003 and 2004. The MAGI tool was developed at CRS to assess the institutional strengths and challenges facing MFIs and is an integral part of the CRS LINKS organizational learning/capacity strengthening process for partners. The report goes on to discuss components for institutional strengthening plans based on the MAGI findings.

Language: English (740K) |

Mergers in Microfinance:

Twelve Case Studies

Elissa McCarter — 2002

This book is intended to be a companion resource to Tying the Knot: A Guide to Mergers in Microfinance (Elissa McCarter, CRS, 2002). The twelve case studies presented in Mergers in Microfinance demonstrate that mergers are already taking place in diverse microfinance environments. While mergers may not be the solution for everyone and not all mergers succeed, there can be great value in building stronger institutions by linking up with competitors.

Language: English (428K) |

Determining Information System Requirements

Guide 2

Shirley A. Lunde — 2002

This guide introduces the concept of an Information Systems needs analysis, provides a detailed description of the analysis process (including basic project management techniques), and describes the optional companion Needs Analysis template provided to help the end user conduct and document his or her institution’s analysis. The accompanying annexes to this document are presented for download separately.
Annexes

Language: English (848K) |

Tying the Knot:

A Guide to Mergers in Microfinance

Elissa McCarter — 2002

This book provides an in-depth look at a merger process in Armenia in order to examine the pros and cons, explore the lessons learned, and articulate some guidelines for other MFIs that might be contemplating a merger or similar strategic move in the future.

Language: English (490K) |

Understanding Information Needs for MFIs:

Guide 1

Shirley A. Lunde — 2002

This guide defines the crucial elements of manual and computer-based information systems, discusses the advantages and potential disadvantages of each, and provides guidance to help the end user prepare his or her institution for a computer-based system. It includes a companion template, the Cash-flow/Net Present Value calculator, to help analyze the financial implications of the current information system and potential alternatives. The accompanying annexes to this document are also presented for download separately.
Annexes

Language: English (939K) |

The Board Rules:

Founding an MFI Board

Kim Wilson — 2001

As microfinance providing institutions transition to formal, local organizations, decisions about governance and ownership become major issues. The Board Rules provides guidance that makes the process a less daunting task.

Language: English (727K) | Spanish (240K) |

Principled Practices in Microfinance

Kim Wilson — 2001

CRS has a niche in the microfinance industry, but we can lose sight, from time to time, of why we do what we do. This guide reminds us of the bigger why. It has two purposes for two audiences: First, it is an attempt to get those who are consumed with the "here and now" to glance up and remember why we are in the business of microfinance. Second, it spells out to newcomers, or even seasoned practitioners new to CRS, the principles that guide our work.

Language: English (883K) | French (160K) | Spanish (657K) |

The People Part

Common Sense Advice in Motivating Microfinance Clients and Staff

Susan Gibson — 2000

Intended to support CRS staff starting or currently managing a microfinance program, the author, a seasoned trainer with experience in over 150 microfinance programs in 50 countries, focuses on ensuring the most favorable environment to run a successful program.

Language: English (634K) |

Internal Account Management Toolkit

Judith Painter — 1999

This toolkit provides guidance and practical tools for use in developing, overseeing and auditing the internal account programs of the village banks. It also includes tools that can be given to bank members who can then use them in managing their own internal accounts.

Language: English (2684K) | French (2959K) | Spanish (2720K) |