Microfinance - Compassion in Action Campaign

A strategic 5-year plan to raise $600,000 for a Microfinance Program that empowers Tibetans

Since our humble beginnings, grassroots efforts and individual contributions have formed the core of Tibetan Village Project, and brought health care, education, and community development projects to life for Tibetans in Tibet. While TVP will continue to work tirelessly with small groups and individual hearts to meet basic needs in Tibet, we seek to go beyond short-term goals, and plan for the future. Our Compassion in Action Campaign coincides with our bread and butter work, and provides a framework to decrease aid dependency while increasing empowerment, sustainability, and cultural preservation.

Why establish an income generation program? In the last decade, the Tibetan economic landscape has undergone a traumatic amount of change, one that threatens the survival of the Tibetan people and their precious culture. A new marketplace dominated by commercial interests and capital has replaced subsistence farming and traditional arts. With strategic assistance through TVP’s microfinance program, Tibetans can gain the proficiency and means to supplement their traditional livelihood with business interests that meet both community needs and the rapidly changing economic paradigm.

What is the background of TVP’S microfinance program? TVP’s Compassion In Action Program embodies the old adage, "give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for life.” We provide culturally appropriate skills training, business management education, and small loans to responsibly assist individuals and families create successful businesses. Since 2006, TVP has trained over 30 Tibetans in traditional arts and mechanics and provided business management training and micro-loans to 12 businesses.

Starting a Microfinance Program: To cultivate an integrated, income-generating program that tackles growing economic marginalization, ramped poverty, and cultural demise, TVP has developed a plan to conscientiously raise $600,000 over the next several years.

What is TVP’s microfinance model? TVP’s model has been inspired by Gramen Bank, and has been crafted to explicitly address our unique situation in Tibet. Trained TVP coordinators will work regionally with small collections of villages to cultivate partnerships, and educate prospective borrowers on the intricacies of our microfinance system. Depending on the type of business and loan size, borrowers must form a group and demonstrate a viable business plan. Approximately 2/3 of group members will receive a loan; remaining participants become eligible only after successful repayment of the original loan principle and interest.

Invitation to Support: TVP invites you to become part of our effort by giving a generous gift today. Donations can be made through multi-year pledges or a single contribution. To speak with Don personally, please call 0421088576 or info at www.tvpaustralia.org.au Thank you and Tashi Delek.