Stay Connected

Poverty Isn’t Permanent—It Can Be Changed

Poverty is a condition, not a life sentence. When families join our community-based microfinance program, they take a big step toward a better life. It’s not just about money—it’s about having enough food, sending kids to school, living in safe homes, and building a future. On average, Plant With Purpose participants see a 55% drop in poverty, thanks to tools like savings groups and small, community-based loans. These changes help families handle emergencies and invest in new opportunities. If we stop seeing poverty as inevitable, maybe it won’t be.

Learn more about multidimensional poverty.

Support Economic Empowerment Around the World

Purpose Groups: Building Stronger Communities

Purpose Groups are local savings groups where members save money, give loans, and invest in their future. They learn how to manage money, improve their farms, and support each other through challenges. These groups are also places for learning new farming skills and growing in faith together. It’s more than microfinance—it’s about building strong, connected communities.

Savings Build Strength

On average, Purpose Group members save enough to cover 2.5 months of expenses—and many save even more. These savings help families stay strong during emergencies, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Purpose Groups make people more resilient! Saving money means gaining security, stability, and peace of mind.

Stability Sparks Generosity

When families feel financially secure, something powerful happens—they give back. People return to church, help their neighbors, and support their communities. Purpose Groups look at local needs and give with compassion. Financial stability opens the door to generosity and stronger relationships.

Purpose Groups Multiply Impact

When just half of a community joins Purpose Groups, everyone benefits. People share what they’ve learned and others start using the same tools and techniques. The success spreads—neighbors teach neighbors, and transformation grows. One group’s progress creates change for the whole community. That’s the power of shared hope. On average non-particpants in our program watersheds reduce poverty by 27%.

Testimonial Stories

Select an image to read their story.

Lynne Takahashi Marian

Marketing Director

Lynne Takahashi Marian

Marketing Director
“I have worked with many organizations doing good work around the world but I have never seen the combination of effectiveness, local leadership, spiritual impact and world-class verification as we have here at Plant With Purpose. We are truly investing in world change.”

Paul Penley

Executive Director, Ledbetter Foundation

Paul Penley

Executive Director, Ledbetter Foundation
“Plant with Purpose’s intervention erases the need for school scholarships, food hand-outs, free clinics and child sponsorship because now the family can take care of their own needs through increased income that's partially spent on education, healthcare and more nutritious food, and partially saved for the next emergency or small business opportunity . . . Plant with Purpose is getting it right.”

Watch Video Testimonial

Kagabo

Partner Farmer, Burundi

Kagabo

Partner Farmer, Burundi
"I went from growing 250kg of corn each year, to as much as 1,500kg. Economically, this has enabled me to save sums of money and to take out loans through my Purpose Group. I used those loans to start a banana juice business and to purchase a cow. She is pregnant, well-fed, and contributing to my organic manure. I didn’t have opportunities like this before Plant With Purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

We use savings groups because they put decision making and cash in the hands of community members from the start. Savings groups promote empowerment, build community, and can become a platform for other community development activities, including environmental initiatives.
At Plant With Purpose, community ownership begins from day one. Groups are all autonomous, and farmers make their own decisions. We provide organization, training, and support, which typically continues for 10-15 years before "graduation."
No, Plant With Purpose does not provide start-up capital. The groups' savings and equity is comprised solely of the group members' capital. Plant With Purpose does not inject capital into the groups, which is a decision based on experience and research showing the ineffectiveness of that approach. It is also counter productive to our global mission.
Groups are formed by community members who then create a constitution or bylaws to govern the group. Each member is part of the group's accountability, and each member plays a specific role. Specifically, each group has a cash box with three locks. There are three different key holders, and a fourth person is responsible for keeping the safe.
READ MORE FAQs

Inspiring Stories.
Actionable insights.

Sustainable living tips, and ways you can make a difference

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
magnifiercross