Targeted Awards Program

Targeted Awards-Innovation Support Program (TAISP) is a part of Russia Microfinance Sector Support. Under its contract with USAID, DAI will provide financing to Russian indigenous non-bank microfinance institutions (MFIs) to support their growth, their use of prudential microfinance standards, and their sustainability.

The TAISP is committed to reaching the following goals:

increasing outreach of Russian MFIs, building greater institutional capacity;
building sustainability of Russian MFIs;
encouraging adherence to best practice operational and financial standards;
fostering product innovation, promoting expansion;
preparing the industry to access commercial financing.

The program is open to all locally registered non-bank microfinance institutions operating in the Russian Federation who meet the defined minimum eligibility criteria and any additional requirements that may be established by the program. Potential award recipients will be institutions displaying a clear commitment to lending to small and micro entrepreneurs as well as second tier organizations supporting Russian MFIs and multi-purpose organizations who have dedicated parts of their efforts to microlending.

Funding may be awarded for any or all the following purposes: