Trickle Up Program

Mission

The mission of Trickle Up is to help the lowest income people worldwide take the first steps up out of poverty, by providing conditional seed capital, business training and relevant support services essential to the launch or expansion of a microenterprise. This proven social and economic empowerment model is implemented in partnership with local agencies.

Programs

Trickle Up entrepreneurs receive seed grants of $100 ($700 in the US). They receive the first installment of their grant after receiving basic business training and submitting a business plan. They receive the second installment after completing a business report documenting their business activities and demonstrating they have met the program’s requirements, including time invested in business, percentage of profits reinvested into business, and agreement to reporting and monitoring.

Current Projects on GlobalGiving

Engaging Ugandan AIDS Widows in Business

Help Women in India Start Small Businesses

Poorest Nicaraguans Start Sustainable Businesses

Personnel Overview

Janet Heisey - Program Officer for Asia
Janet Heisey is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans for the region, managing the budget, supporting Asia NGO partners with training and monitoring, and evaluating program impact. She also has special responsibility for strengthening the business training component of the international program. Ms. Heisey has served at Trickle Up since 1999.

Vimala Palaniswamy - Program Associate for Asia
Ms. Palaniswamy joined Trickle Up two years ago after serving with the Dhan Foundation in Madurai, India. As Health Research Associate she worked with a women’s community banking program, integrating programs in health and microfinance, and oversaw a study on women’s reproductive health in Tamil Nadu. Previously she assisted in research and administration at CARE USA in Atlanta, Georgia.

Personnel Statistics

William M. Abrams,
Executive Director
Founded in 1979
Employees: 20
Volunteers: 30

Financial Statistics

Budget (2006): $ 3,800,000
Budget (2005): $ 3,479,219
Maximum Budget: $ 3,800,000
Overhead: 17 %
Other funding sources: Individuals, foundations, corporations, government.
Religious Affiliation: none