Home Page

About the IS Fund

The Information Systems (IS) Fund was launched by CGAP in 2004 to help microfinance institutions make informed IS decisions. The European Union's Microfinance Programme for Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) subsequently joined the IS Fund in 2008. Since its founding, over 100 microfinance institutions have been approved for IS Fund grants.

Many institutions require professional expertise to help them analyze their business and technology needs, select a software package, or improve their existing information systems. Hiring an independent consultant to carry out a well defined project can yield many benefits, particularly in helping an MFI articulate their technology plans.

MFIs may apply for two rounds of funding, a maximum of $15,000 can be granted in the first application and $10,000 in the second application. All applicants must expect to contribute 40% of the assignment costs from their own resources. Click here for information on how to apply.

The IS Fund also seeks to make information about these consulting engagements public, to help other MFIs seeking guidance and to encourage donors and investors to help fund further technology expenses. After each engagement, the IS consultant is required to write a Summary Engagement Report, which is published on this website. MFIs may review these reports to evaluate the quality of the consultant's work and to learn how the MFI client is approaching its technology project. Click here to view the list of MFI summary engagement reports.

The IS Fund is part of CGAP's Technology Program. In addition to helping microfinance institutions strengthen their information systems through the IS Fund, the Technology Program is working to advance innovative technology approaches that will push the frontier of access to finance. The European Commission's support to the IS Program is part of its Microfinance Programme for Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP), which aims to contribute to poverty reduction through the development of more performing and effective financial services for poor people.