Our Model
Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) partners with grassroots women’s groups in Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. We provide training, support, and financial grants that help women strengthen their skills, grow small businesses, and build stronger communities together.
Community Development
RSWR offers two programs in each country. First, women take part in Group Strength & Financial Training Program, which builds financial skills, confidence, strong leadership, and group strength. Second, during Managing a Revolving Loan Fund Program, groups receive a grant, get ongoing training, and run their own loan program, lending to one another and growing businesses together.
(Spanish) Nuestro Modelo de Desarrollo Comunitario
Group Strength & Financial Training Program
Small, grassroots NGOs in India and independent women’s groups in Guatemala, Kenya, and Sierra Leone can apply for a FREE training program with local RSWR Country Coordinators. This program builds the foundation women need to run strong groups and successful micro-businesses.
By the end of the trainings, each woman:
- Makes monthly contributions to her personal savings
- Gains higher self esteem and self confidence
- Understands budgeting and the value of her own labor
- Can perform simple bookkeeping for her business
- Is ready to develop a business plan to start or expand her very small business
During these trainings the group establishes its own constitution that outlines:
- How leaders are elected
- Interest rates for loans within the group
- Minimum savings requirements
- Monthly contributions to the emergency fund
- Group fines and accountability measures
When the trainings are complete, women are not only prepared to launch or improve their businesses—they also know how to work together. They understand group dynamics, shared leadership, and how to manage conflict. Most importantly, they begin turning to one another for support that goes far beyond business.
Managing a Revolving Loan Fund Program
Women’s groups that complete the Group Strength & Financial Training Program are eligible to apply for this next program. Approved groups receive a financial grant—up to US$6,500 for an independent women’s group in Guatemala, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, or up to US$3,000 for an NGO in India—to launch their own revolving loan fund. Not all applicants will receive funding.
Once a group receives a grant, the money is used to establish a revolving loan fund owned and managed by the women’s group. Members borrow from the fund to start or expand very small businesses and repay their loans with a reasonable interest rate to the group.
As loans are repaid, the money becomes available to lend out again. This allows the fund to serve more women and, hopefully, the fund grows over time.
Managing a Revolving Loan Fund Program is a three-year partnership between RSWR and the group. During this period, women receive ongoing technical training, mentorship, and supportive monitoring as they strengthen their leadership and financial management skills.
After about one year, a few women’s groups will be invited to apply for an additional expansion grant—up to US$3,000 (or US$4,500 in India)—to expand and enhance their project.
Later, a few groups in India only will be invited to apply for a third grant of US$6,000
How to Apply for a Grant
If your group is interested in applying for the initial Group Strength & Financial Training Program, learn more.
The need is great and Right Sharing’s capacity is limited. Not all applicants will be accepted.
