Actress Yeardley Smith Donates $1.4 Million to Grameen Foundation, Fonkoze
Actress Yeardley Smith Donates $1.4 Million to Grameen Foundation, Fonkoze
The Grameen Foundation and Haitian microfinance institution Fonkoze have announced gifts totaling $1.4 million from actress Yeardley Smith to help advance their efforts in some of the world's poorest countries.
The Grameen Foundation will receive $900,000 to launch a new initiative designed to identify and replicate microfinance solutions for people living at the very bottom of the economic ladder, enabling them to gain access to critical resources and build reliable businesses. Fonkoze will receive $240,000 to support its frontline staff by enhancing benefits, promoting employee productivity, and increasing retention.
Smith, who is best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson on the television show The Simpsons, was inspired to become involved in microfinance after seeing an interview with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank. Accompanied by Grameen Foundation president Alex Counts, Smith traveled to Haiti to learn how microfinance and complementary health and literacy services can improve the quality of life for women and their families in remote villages.
"I was inspired by Yeardley's willingness to learn more about microfinance by traveling to Haiti to hear firsthand from microfinance clients," said Counts. "We look forward to working with her in the years ahead and hope her generosity will prompt others to support us in helping the poorest people improve their lives and escape poverty through microfinance."
“Actress Yeardley Smith Donates $1.14 Million to Support Microfinance.”
Grameen Foundation Press Release
11/02/09.
Primary Subject: International Affairs/Development
Location(s): Haiti, International
FC014091
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