Although the concept of microfinance has been applied globally for thirty years, it has only gained public interest since recent years, thanks, in part, to UN International Year of Microcredit in 2005 and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Mohammed Yunus and Grameen Bank Bangladesh in 2006. Microfinance comprises much more than microcredit alone. Broadly speaking, it involves building sustainable financial institutions and offering products and services that people need, such as savings, insurance, leasing and venture capital services. The economically active population needs investment loans and working capital for their small businesses. In addition, the more than 1.1 billion poorest people in the world would be well served if we could alleviate some of the tough uncertainties in their daily lives. They want to be able to put what little savings they have in a bank, take out medical and life insurance, and have access to microcredit to fill gaps in their income. Rabobank Foundation is active in this segment.