MEMBERSHIP IN THE MFMI GLOBAL NETWORK

How does my organization apply to join the MFMI Global Network?

Visit the "Our Community" section of this web site and the "Join the MFMI" section.  There you will find an application to join the global MFMI Network.  The MFMI accepts applications on a continuous basis.

Is there a fee to join the MFMI Global Network?

There is not a fee at this time to join the MFMI.  However, members bear responsibility to pay for their own international airfare and other transport expenses to participate in MFMI events.  The MFMI currently finances most other program costs of its member events.  This level of support is subject to change as the MFMI budget necessitates.

May training and academic organizations from developed countries join the MFMI Network?

The MFMI invites any and all training, research and academic institutions to join its network, including national and regional MFI associations.  However, financial support for MFMI events is limited to institutions established and working in developing countries.  MFMI gives priority to institutions located in countries with a minimum population of 10 million people where the scale of microfinance and related capacity-building services are most needed.

What are the benefits of joining the MFMI Global Network?

Each MFMI member may find unique reasons and benefits in taking part in the global network.  Many members comment that the MFMI provides their first opportunity ever to network and exchange ideas with other trainers and educators of microfinance.  The MFMI adds value to its members in the following ways:

• Builds global and regional connections among professors, trainers, researchers, and those specialized in management advisory services
  
  
• Provides opportunities for members to exchange experience and share ideas for microfinance capability building, in-person at MFMI-sponsored workshops
  
  
• Develops skills among members to create training and academic tools, programs, and materials for microfinance management (such as research methods, needs analyses, course and case study design and development, delivery methods, master training of trainers, etc.)
  
  
• Makes funding available to develop training and academic materials (please click here to apply to the MFMI Research and Development Fund for Learning Tools).
  
  
• Provides access to the global knowledge and experience of both MFMI and CGAP in international best practice in microfinance and capacity building programs
  
  
• Benefits member through marketing of their services through the MFMI Web site.

ENROLL IN TRAINING AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS OF MFMI PARTNERS

Does the MFMI directly offer microfinance training and education?

No, in general, the MFMI does not engage in direct training, with one key exception.  The MFMI and CGAP collaborate on the direct offer of the CGAP Course for Microfinance Funders.  The target audience of this course is the non-specialist funder of microfinance who seeks skills and knowledge for making responsible investments in the microfinance sector.  For all other microfinance training and academic courses, the MFMI supports its members to undertake this work in developing countries.  Please see the tab entitled "Our Community" to learn more about courses on capability building for microfinance practitioners and students.

How may I enroll in the training or academic courses offered by MFMI Members?

MFMI network members each have their own enrollment procedures and requirements for the offer of their respective courses and programs.  Interested microfinance practitioners and students may learn more about how to contact MFMI members through the institutional profiles and information provided under the tab "Our Community."

How may I participate in training of trainers of CGAP courses?

From time to time, MFMI may sponsor training of trainers for the seven courses developed by CGAP on financial and operational management, created originally under CGAP's "Skills for Microfinance Managers" training program.  The courses include facilitator guides and participant materials on:

1. Delinquency Control and Interest Rate Setting,
2. Financial Analysis,
3. Accounting for Microfinance Institutions,
4. Operational Risk Management,
5. New Product Development,
6. Management Information Systems, and
7. Business Planning for Microfinance Institutions, using the Microfin Model.

MFMI will invite only those institutions that have applied to be a part of the MFMI Network.  By the end of 2008, CGAP intends to make available for free download from its web site, the facilitator guides and participant manuals for each of these seven courses.  At this time, the course materials are in process of an upgrade.

ACCESS TRAINING MATERIALS AND OTHER MFMI LEARNING MATERIALS

Where may I access learning materials from the MFMI?

All materials created with MFMI financial support are available for free download by visiting the tab "Knowledge Resources."  The MFMI continues to search for materials to add to its electronic library.  If you would like to offer materials to the MFMI, please contact us at info@themfmi.org.

Does the MFMI support the development of new learning materials?

Yes, the MFMI supports the development of new learning materials through its Research and Development Fund for Learning Tools.  The application to apply to the Fund is found by selecting the tab "Knowledge Resources."  MFMI is most interested in applications for materials that apply to microfinance management---particularly to organizational and management development.  More details on MFMI priorities are found within the application.

How may I access the facilitator and participant manuals from the CGAP "Skills for Microfinance Managers" training program?

From time to time, the MFMI may sponsor training of trainers for the seven topical courses developed by CGAP on financial and operational management, evolving from what was originally CGAP's "Skills for Microfinance Managers" training program. 

As listed above in answer to another frequently asked question, these courses include facilitator guides and participant materials on 1) Delinquency Control and Interest Rate Setting, 2) Financial Analysis, 3) Accounting for Microfinance Institutions, 4) Operational Risk Management, 5) New Product Development, 6) Management Information Systems and 7) Business Planning for Microfinance Institutions, using the Microfin Model.  MFMI will invite only those institutions which have applied to be a part of the MFMI Network.  By the end of 2008, CGAP expects to make available, for free download from its web site, the facilitator guides and participant manuals for each of these seven courses.  At this time, the course materials are in the process of an upgrade.

Are learning materials available from MFMI training and academic partners?

The MFMI encourages its trainers and educators to share their materials publicly.  However, it is not a condition of the MFMI that members must do so to participate in the Network.  ANY and ALL materials developed using MFMI funding are made publicly available, without exception.  Please see the tab "Knowledge Resources" to access MFMI materials developed by MFMI member organizations.

ATTEND THE CGAP COURSE FOR MICROFINANCE FUNDERS

Where can I learn more about the CGAP Course for Microfinance Funders?

Information about this course, and the electronic application to attend an upcoming offer, is provided in the tab entitled "Funder Course."

How would I apply to attend the CGAP Course for Microfinance Funders?

The tab entitled "Funder Course" provides the application to attend an upcoming offer of the Course.  From the tab "Funder Course," please select "Application" and follow the given instructions.

Why does the MFMI offer the "CGAP" Course for Microfinance Funders?

CGAP and the MFMI make natural partners for the offer of this course.  CGAP is a co-founder of the MFMI.  The MFMI complements CGAP's mission and furthers CGAP's interest in human resource development for financial inclusion.  MFMI offers greater flexibility and focus to the work of capability building.  The MFMI plays a role in part of CGAP's overall work on funder aid effectiveness and deepens funders' understanding of how to responsibly support training and education on financial inclusion.  The MFMI/CGAP alliance serves as an excellent channel to disseminate CGAP's good practice messages and leading information on sector developments.  The MFMI and its trainer and educator network benefit from CGAP's role in global microfinance and its resources committed to knowledge generation.