Portfolio Partner Profile
Global Communities
Global Communities (formerly CHF International) is an international non-profit organization that works closely with communities worldwide to bring about sustainable change that improves the lives and livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable communities around the globe. For over 60 years, Global Communities' mission has served as a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low--income communities around the world, helping them improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions. Global Communities strives to build strong relationships with the communities they serve by engaging them throughout the development process to keep control over their own communities.
Global Communities runs a multitude of programs that encompass financial services, economic development, global health, food security and humanitarian assistance. Global Communities believes that the private and not-for-profit sectors can learn from each other, and that the interests of the people they work with are best served by an integrated approach to business and a “double bottom line.”
In 2019, Global Communities supported 1.5 million people in more than 7,300 communities. Global Communities facilitated more than 115,000 loans worth $428 million to help grow businesses and support families and communities. Working in the Americas, Africa, Middle East, Europe, and Asia, Global Communities supported 800 local organizations and 1663 local businesses. Global Communities also developed 643 public-private partnerships and trained more than 54,000 people to help them improve their livelihoods.
Featured Impact Story
Impact Story
Home improvements
Ahmad Amer received an $8,000 loan from Vitas, a subsidiary of Global Communities. The loan allowed him to add external wall stones and do interior improvements to his home, including doors, tiles, and walls.
Photo Credit: Vitas Group
Impact Story
Hosnia and Umm Yazan’s Kitchen
Hosnia, a client from Ramallah, is an entrepreneur and chef. She started her business delivering home-cooked meals to customers in her community. The Vitas Palestine loan allowed her to open and scale her own restaurant, Umm Yazan’s Kitchen, which specializes in preparing and catering home-made food. The restaurant provides a stable monthly income for Hosnia and her family. With the income, Hosnia is able to send her children to well-established private schools and receive higher-quality education. Her restaurant also provides employment opportunities for other women in the community.
Impact Story
Dry-cleaning business
Munther Shawar is a father of four children, including one who has special needs. He owns a dry-cleaning business that experienced hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the equipment was unable to keep up with his clients’ needs. Vitas Palestine's loan allowed Munther to purchase new equipment and serve more customers. With the additional income, Munther is able to support his family, including his wife who has since passed due to cancer. He is also a provide the necessary treatments and resources for his child with special needs.
Impact Story
Fragrance store
Atheel owns a women’s luxury product and fragrance store in Al-Hurria, Baghdad. To promote her store and meet her business’s financial needs, Atheel partnered with CHF Vitas Iraq, an institution that focuses on providing financial support to youth and women. She received her first loan from Vitas Iraq, which enabled her to purchase a variety of products and attract more customers. Atheel says, "With CHF Vitas Iraq, you can always achieve your goals and reach your ambitions."
Impact Story
Tailoring business
Rania is a tailor from Nablus who started her business in the Qalandia Refugee Camp. With the loan from Vitas Palestine, Rania was able to buy the necessary machinery for her workshop, which improved her business’s efficiency and productivity. Rania’s tailoring business provides a stable income for the 12 women she employs, allowing them to cover family expenses and empowering them with financial independence.
Impact Story
New equipment
Abdel Moneim Maarouf Mohamed Alioui received a $30,000 loan from Vitas, which allowed him to buy new equipment for his bakery. Al Ikhlas bakery products are distributed to a large number of grocery stores, schools, and other restaurants. This bakery has more than 10 employees.
Photo Credit: Vitas Group
Impact Story
Private school
Farid received a loan of $21,000 from Vitas Palestine for developing his own project, a private school for first to fourth grade. Farid used this money to build classrooms. Having more classrooms has resulted in increasing the number of students in his school. Currently, Al-Dial school has six teachers and a social guide. Al-Diar has implemented an educational system that helps in developing skills in a unique way. The school also accepts children with special needs.
Photo Credit: Vitas Group
Community Development
Education
Microfinance
Gender Equity
