On a global scale, more than 172 million people are members of 46,000 savings and loans cooperatives that, together, control more than 904 billion US dollar in savings. People become members of cooperatives to acquire easy access to a range of products and services. Rabobank Foundation was established by local Rabobanks in 1973.
The goal of the international activities is to develop savings and loans cooperatives, and producers' associations in developing countries. Local Rabobanks contribute some of their profits to Rabo Foundation and Rabobank Nederland doubles this amount.
In 2007 Rabobank Foundation spent nearly 11 million euro on 143 projects in 25 countries. The total lending portfolio in microcredit and (fair) trade finance rose to 17 million euro, an increase of about 8%.
Note: in addition to thematic categorisation into 'microfinance' and 'chain structure', the earmarked contributions and technical assistance can be classified as follows:
- donations to new and start-up partner organisations,
- loans in local currencies for the benefit of credit funds,
- loans in strong currencies for trade finance, and
- local knowledge transfer by Rabobank experts and third parties.