This milestone isn’t just about a number — it represents thousands of lives changed, families lifted out of poverty, and communities empowered to build better futures. A total of 54,895 loans have been disbursed to rural women to create or grow their small businesses, providing for their families and building resilience where it’s needed most.
The ripple effect of these loans is astonishing: an estimated 230,000 children and vulnerable adults getting access to better nutrition, living in safer and more secure homes, and gaining improved access to healthcare and medication when they fall ill. Most importantly, many more children have an improved chance of attending school — breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the trust and faith of our loyal benefactors, like Masami Sato and Paul Dunn at B1G1, whose ongoing support has lifted us to new heights.
Without YOU, we never could’ve climbed to the top of our own “Mount Mulanje” — AKA Mulanje Massif. Fun fact: The very first loan group we funded is based in Mulanje, southeastern Malawi, and we continue to support this branch alongside others across Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. And with our exciting plans to expand into South Africa, the journey of transformation is just beginning. So here’s a MASSIF thanks to all of you for making that possible!
Our dedicated board members who helped shape the organisation— David Bateson, Carol at The Shoe Garden, Kirsten Shearn, Prue Keen, and Rick Fitzpatrick. The biggest thank you goes to Clive Hughes, whose careful stewardship as financial controller and CEO has been invaluable, and Chris McArdle for his generous pro bono legal help — thank you.
That bold journey started back in 2008 during the now-legendary “One Million Dollar Lunch” in London with Peter Ryan, MicroLoan Foundation founder, whose vision ignited this mission.
Reaching AUS$1,000,000 in donations is not just a milestone — it’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together with purpose and heart. Thanks to your generosity, thousands of women and children have been given the tools and opportunities to thrive.
With a refreshed board and exciting new projects underway, we look forward to continuing this journey — one loan, one business, and one life at a time.
Thank you for being part of this incredible story. Here’s to climbing even higher — together.
– Brian Keen
Founder, MicroLoan Foundation Australia
Published on: 08/07/2025
