News

MicroNed launches tool to measure progress in capacity building

Monday 7 May 2012

MicroNed has launched an institutional scanning tool to measure progress in terms of effective management of capacity building programmes for microfinance institutions (MFIs) and cooperatives. The MicroScore tool could help MFIs, cooperatives, donors, investors and consultants. The scan is relevant in the early stages of graduation of an MFI.

It has always been a pressing question how to measure success of capacity building programmes. While success can be measured on the output level, there was no suitable measure on effect level. On behalf of MicroNed Joost de La Rive Box designed an institutional scan to measure the performance of capcity building programmes. The tool combines four performance ratios: governance, institutional, services & social performance management and financial performance management.

After a year of development and intensive pilot testing by MicroNed members as well as Terrafina Microfinance, the tool has now been finalized. 

The tool helps MFIs and cooperatives to assess its performance and to reflect on its graduation. Consultants can use MicroScore in their first contact with a MFI as a guideline for baseline assessments and further on as a tool for progress monitoring. Desk officers at microfinance organizations should be able to better assess the proposals they receive from MFIs and consultants. The MicroScore tool is not intended to replace ratings. The ultimate aim is to enhance the effectiveness of capacity building programmes.

The MicroScore tool is presented in three languages: English, Spanish and French, combined in one format, and is now available for download, free of charge.

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Download MicroScore
Microscore (5,7 mb)

Download MicroScore Guideline (English)
Guideline

For more information:
info@micro-ned.nl