Lend for America empowers student leaders to build their communities through the creation of campus microfinance institutions (Campus MFIs). Our national platform supports students practicing microfinance in the U.S. by providing training, networking, funding, and research.
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MISSION AND VISION
Our mission is to empower emerging leaders to build strong businesses and communities by providing equitable financial services to low-income individuals.
With the right tools, college students can change the lives of their communities’ low-income families and gain a broader social perspective. The growth of campus microfinance will help disadvantaged individuals start and grow businesses, develop assets, increase their financial capacity and improve their economic well-being.
Our Story
Lend for America (LFA) was founded in 2009 in response to a national movement — college students across the country starting microfinance institutions to spur economic development in their campus communities.
After an initial study by the Aspen Institute’s FIELD program assessed the state of the movement, existing campus MFIs gathered for the first time at a conference at Rutgers University. At that meeting, Lend for America was born, with a mission to raise awareness, provide technical assistance, and create networking opportunities for student-powered microfinance organizations.
The strength of the alliance is its members, which serve as laboratories for innovation in domestic microfinance and training ground for a new generation of social change leaders. Now, LFA hosts an annual conference, offers capacity building site visits, and provides on-site and online technical assistance to its members.
Membership
Join the only national membership for campus MFIs. Access technical assistance, training, resources, and grants.
Summit
Our annual conference for students doing microfinance in the U.S. Check out videos and photos from Lend for America’s 2014 Summit in Berkeley.
Fellowship
Click here to learn more about our year-long incubation program for students interested in launching new Campus MFIs.
Leadership
Raheem Parpia
Raheem comes to Lend for America with 4 years of experience in B2B Information Technology sales coupled with an unwavering passion for Microfinance. Alongside his work in the IT-sector, Raheem ran a small non-profit organization called the Los Angeles Microfinance Network that was focused on raising awareness of microfinance within the L.A. community by way of educational speaking events, partnering with local social enterprises and non-profits, and monthly networking mixers. Prior to that, he co-founded the Kiva chapter while at the University of Southern California, where he studied International Relations, Business and Entrepreneurship.
STAFF
Isabel Roberts, Executive Director
Isabel is the Executive Director of Lend for America, which helps students start and grow Campus MFIs. Before, Isabel worked with Credit Builders Alliance, where she managed services that help nonprofit loan funds offer credit reporting as a tool to build credit for consumers. Prior, Isabel helped to build ThinkImpact, a social enterprise that connects students with rural villages in Kenya and South Africa to build social businesses. Isabel is a recipient of the Projects for Peace fellowship and spent the summer of 2008 establishing a community center in Makrepeni, South Africa to improve access to entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Isabel graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in international relations and government.
Aaliyah Hope, Program Associate
Aaliyah is the Program Associate at Lend For America and manages marketing and communications for the national network. Originally from Hawaii, she recently returned to the states after two years in Madagascar. While abroad, Aaliyah directed Village Savings and Loans programs with rural farmers and women’s groups. Prior, Aaliyah worked as the Director of Marketing for a solar energy start-up in Honolulu. She graduated from the University of Hawaii with a BBA in Marketing, an International Business focus and a minor in English.