MasterCard is once again sponsoring the UN's Project Inspire 2012: 5 Minutes to Change the World, following the success of last year's campaign. 

Joined by the Singapore National Committee for UN Women and academic partner INSEAD, Project Inspire offers 18-35 year-olds a 5-minute platform to pitch an idea and win a $25,000 grant supporting an existing women’s empowerment program in Asia/Pacific, the Middle East or Africa, helping women and girls sustain livelihood through entrepreneurship.Continue reading...

Citi's commitment to boosting communities in need includes bringing microfinance lending to communities in need — even in developed countries.

It's been working with grassroots organizations including Fair Finance, a London-based social enterprise founded by Faisel Rahman, a former World Bank staffer. The goal of the partnership: support fair lending and financial services for local entrepreneurs and struggling individuals in the underserved community of East London.Continue reading...