Formed in 1985, the SEEP Network is “an association of 67 international non-governmental organizations that support microfinance and micro- and small-enterprise development programs around the world.”  Through three major programs—Institutional Development Services, Network Development Services and Practitioner Learning Program—SEEP endeavors to “develop the capacity of country-level and regional networks and promote lateral learning among practitioners.” Further, through working groups, publications and training programs, SEEP members are able to “share institutional knowledge and establish best practices for the industry.”

Freedom from Hunger has been an active member of SEEP since its inception.  In fact, Kathleen Stack, Vice President of Program Development, served as a founding member of SEEP’s Board of Directors.  In 2004, Freedom from Hunger was voted SEEP Member of the Year and, in 2005, Beth Porter, Vice President of Program Services, was voted Pro-Client Working Group Member of the Year.  Our staff have contributed to multiple working groups, including Client Assessment, Financial Services, HIV/AIDS and Microenterprise Development, Poverty Outreach, Pro-Client and Value Chains. Freedom from Hunger has also participated in SEEP’s Practitioner Learning Programs: Poverty Assessment Tools Field Testing and Putting Client Assessment to Work.