Yes, Grameen borrowers receive dividends.
To free Grameen Bank from tax liabilities, the government imposed a condition which forced Grameen Bank to invest the entire profit in a disaster fund established for this purpose. However, in 2007 the government withdrew this condition. Since then Grameen Bank is happy to be able to pay dividends to its borrowers.
TSince its inception, Grameen Bank made profits every year, except for the years 1983, 1991 and 1992. For detailed information take a look at the Data & Reports section.
In 1995, Grameen Bank decided not to receive any more donor funds. The bank does not need donor money or funds to cover its expenses. Grameen Bank is self-reliant.
You can use the email service provided on this website or send an email. If you are interested in the training or internship program, please contact the International & Training Program Department directly:
Grameen Bank takes deposits from borrowers and non-borrowers which are sufficient to fund its operations.
Grameen Bank gives loans only to the poor. Generally spoken one could say: The less you have, the more you get. Take a look at the 10 Indicators (Link). The fewer indicators the borrower fulfills, the more eligible for a loan she will be.
Grameen Bank is owned by the borrowers and it is based on trust. It does not require any collateral from its borrowers. Since the bank does not wish to take any borrower to the court of law in case of non-repayment, it does not require the borrowers to sign any legal instrument..
In 2006, Grameen Bank and Professor Muhammad were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create economic and social development from below.
Other awards include:
Petersberg Prize 2004 (USA)
Mahadma Ghandi Award 2000 (India)
World Housing Award 1997 (UK)
City Dental College Gold Metal 1996/97 (Bangladesh)
Tun Abdull Razzak Award 1994 (Malaysia)
King Baudouin International Development Award 1993 (Belgium)
Kazi Mahbub Ullah Award 1992 (Bangladesh)
Agakhan Architect Award 1989 (Switzerland)
One suggestions:
Banker to the Poor by Professor Muhammad
Creating a World Without Poverty by Professor Muhammad
Small Loans, Big Dreams by Alex Counts
The Price of a Dream by David Bornstein
Participation as a Process by Andreas Fuglesang and Dale Chandler
Professor Muhammad is founder of Grameen Bank. He dedicated himself to alleviate poverty. Since Grameen Bank’s inception in 1976, he founded 25 companies, all of which aim at improving the living situation of the poor. In 2006, he and Grameen Bank received the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. Read more about Professor Muhammad. http://muhammadyunus.org
Grameen Bank welcomes visitor from all around the world. Please contact the International Program Department to set up your visit:
International Program Department
Grameen Bank
Grameen Bank offers various training options: the International Dialogue Program, the Exposure Visit, the Basic Training Course, a special program for journalists, the Research Program and the Internship Program. Please visit the Training section of this website to find out more.
You can apply by sending your letter of application and your resume to the International Program Department. Your letter of application should indicate your objectives and expectations, your planned period of stay and your expected date of arrival. For an internship application, you will also need to submit a confirmation letter of your university, proofing your student identity. Paper and email applications are accepted. For more information please visit the Training section of this website
There is an increasing number of MFIs operating in Bangladesh. The biggest ones besides Grameen Bank are BRAC, ASA, Proshika and TMSS.
Grameen Bank is able to take deposits which are sufficient to fund its operations. Most MFIs, however, are not allowed to take deposits because of government restriction and rely therefore on donor funds.
In comparison to many MFIs, Grameen Bank also offers a lower interest rate.
MFIs – Microfinance Institutions – provide financial services to the poor. Services can include micro-loans, saving accounts, pension plans, loan insurance, etc. However, only few MFIs are able to offer saving accounts, as this is usually restricted by the government.
