The final report of the Toronto Metrofund
is attached. This report was prepared by independent consultant
Cheryl Frankiewicz and is available for downloading.
The report traces the various stages
of CALMEADOW’s experimentation with lending in Toronto and
explores in a very pragmatic way the reasons for our conclusion
that stand-alone minimalist funds in developed countries are very
unlikely to become sustainable without perpetual subsidization.
We think you will find it an interesting chronicle of our domestic
microlending experiences, as well as a valuable source of insight
into what CALMEADOW found effective and ineffective in meeting
the financial needs of microentrepreneurs in a developed economy.
We highly recommend the document to anyone interested in supporting
microfinance or community economic development in a developed
country.