MCE Social Capital

Date: 2021

Asset Class: Private Debt - Subcommercial

Description:  MCE Social Capital is a nonprofit impact investing firm that generates economic opportunities for women and families living in poverty throughout the developing world by providing them with low-cost capital. The Excelsior Impact Fund made a low interest loan to MCE so they can provide this capital at attractive terms. MCE has also pioneered a loan guarantee model to further reduce lending costs. MCE strategically deploys capital to two types of organizations: microfinance institutions (MFIs) and small and growing business (SGBs) in the agriculture, water & sanitation, and renewable energy sectors. The MFIs in MCE’s portfolio help people in rural areas gain access to credit, savings accounts, insurance, health and business education, and technical assistance. The SGBs create reliable jobs in rural economies, provide market access and valuable services to smallholder farmers, and facilitate access to clean water and renewable energy in underserved areas.

Why We Invest: By leveraging philanthropic guarantees and low interest loans, MCE is able to effectively provide attractive capital to underserved clients so they can develop sustainable livelihoods and have access to basic services.