GHDF has a successful track record of income generation both for the organization, through the previous and current levels of donors, sponsorship and in-kind support and through the delivery of the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) program, to read the full concept of VSLA click here

GHDF is committed to supporting the economic empowerment of disadvantaged and less fortunate individuals in society. In that sense, we have developed capacity building activities targeting the youth and rural communities throughout the country. GHDF’s approach is based on the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) methodology, bringing groups of individuals together, providing financial training and support in developing micro finance initiatives. Each member is committed to saving an agreed amount of money each week, which is then invested into developing and supporting small-scale initiatives and enterprises. An element of the savings generated is kept back as a social fund, which acts as an emergency insurance scheme. So far, GHDF has developed and supported 800 VSLAs comprised of 24000 members and beneficiaries.The services and support provided to these groups helps them become increasingly self-reliant, and the economic strengthening also contributes to improved health and educational outcomes.

When a small scale enterprise is at the point where it is ready to benefit from accessing larger loans and the services of banks, GHDF acts as a point of contact and entry into the financial service industry, linking the individuals to agencies and micro finance institutions that can facilitate small loans e.g. SACCO (Savings and Credit Co-Operatives).

Working along side government institutions and international/national NGO’s, GHDF has been an implementing partner for the economic empowerment component of extensive development programs, including USAID’s and Global Communities’ “Higa ubeho”, Canadian International Development Agency and Plan’s “Promoting African Grassroots Economic Security” project, DFID and Plan’s “Building skills for life”, and UNDP/UNCDF “Building Inclusive Financial Sector in Rwanda".