Australian corporate philanthropy helps thousands emerge from poverty

Monday 15 August 2011

The Origin Foundation has announced a $1 million donation to Good Return to help thousands of families throughout the Asia Pacific region start a business and lift themselves out of poverty.

The donation will enable microfinance charity Good Return to facilitate loans tenfold over the next three years. In addition to this financial contribution, Origin employees will also volunteer their professional skills and expertise in energy solutions to help Good Return tackle key projects.

Good Return CEO Guy Winship said this extra support would generate around 8,000 new loans and impact the lives of more than 40,000 people in Asia Pacific, where more than two-thirds of the world’s poor live.

“The partnership will generate value far in excess of the initial donation from the Origin Foundation. When borrowers repay our donated loans, Good Return uses it to invest in financial and functional literacy and livelihood programs for the borrowers and our micro-finance lenders,” said Mr Winship.

The partnership is also focused on providing energy to communities with little or no electricity. Women and their families will be able to access sustainable energy solutions allowing them to extend their business hours, study after dark and reduce health risks from internal pollution.

Mr Winship said; “The Origin Foundation’s Engaged Philanthropy model gives us not only financial support but access to the expertise of people who can research all of the options available and evaluate each from a technical, financial and environmental perspective. It’s so important that these energy products meet the needs of local people because often they will be their only source of power.”

Both the Origin Foundation and Cosway partner with Good Return to engage a growing number of Australians who are willing to help lift families out of poverty through loans and education.

Cosway provides Good Return with ongoing probono communications strategy and expertise to help forge connections with the business sector.