Sawa, together in Arabic, KIEDF's and Israel's first non-bank micro credit loan fund. Developed in 2006, SAWA started operating among Bedouin women in the Negev, using the group solidarity model developed by Nobel Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh. After overwhelming success in the south, the program expanded throughout the country and currently provides services to diverse populations working to move out of poverty. KIEDF provides access to financial services to populations ignored by regular financial instrititions ad other NGOs.

KIEDF is the Kiva Field Partner in Israel, assisting in raising a portion of funds needed for non-bank loans while connecting KIEDF with a network of MFI’s throughout the world.

Sawa is supported by a 50% matching from t eh Israeli Ministry of  the Economy, doubling each philanthropic donation provided to  reach Arab, Bedouin and Druze female entrepreneurs with the ability to create a decent income.

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To date over 16,500 loans have been distributed enabling thousands of households to improve their economic situation.

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