Manna Project International is a registered 501(c)(3) community development non-profit with sites in Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. The Ecuador branch of MPI is located in the beautiful Valle de los Chillos, a suburb of Quito. We believe in holistic development. So we've got our hands in a little bit of everything-- exercise, English, art and nutrition classes, a preventative health center, an environmental health program, small business development classes and microfinance.
Our microloan program
In April of
2012, the Oxford Microfinance Initiative reported that the small agricultural barrio of Jatumpungo would be the ideal
location for a microfinance program. Existing sources for loans provide credit
at exorbitantly high interest rates, which impedes the entrepreneurial
potential of the community. By providing capital to small business owners at
low interest rates and offering free small business development classes, MPI is working to promote the sustainable economic and
social development of the Chillos Valley.
![]()
Our small business classes are open to the entire community.
Current loan cycle
![]()
Clara, seen here with her prized ají, used her loan to build a greenhouse-- which is a must given Ecuador's formidable rainy season!
Here are the quick facts on our current loan cycle:
- 7 loan recipients (6 women, 1 husband
and wife team)
- $2,700 loaned
- 9% interest rate
- 1 group elected treasurer
- 1 group elected president
- 2 Ecuadorian volunteers
- 4 MPI Program Directors
- 100% repayment rate
How can you get involved?
We have a close relationship with the community, as we visit our loan recipients often to help with accounting or lend a hand in the garden. There is a real need for more loans in Jatumpungo-- we've heard about it. Rarely a visit goes by without a friendly neighbor asking about the next loan cycle. Our goal is to double our lending capacity for the upcoming cycle in order to improve the quality of life of more families, and the economic stability of the community as a whole.
So, this is where you can help. Our goal is to raise $2800 by the start of our next loan cycle. All funds raised (regardless of whether or not we reach our goal) are 100% tax deductible and will go directly towards low interest loans used to support small business owners in Jatumpungo.
![]()
Beautiful Jatumpungo
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact Cate Parker at cate.parker@mannaproject.org. And please, help us spread the word! ¡Muchisimas gracias for your support!