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Giving a Hand Up

Mentors International is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit microfinance organization that helps the impoverished in developing countries achieve self-sufficiency.

Mentors has established seven partner foundations, one in each of the largest cities of the Philippines (Manila, Cebu and Davao), and one each in Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador and Honduras. Each foundation has its own local board of directors and indigenous staff, but is a legal subsidiary of the Mentors umbrella and is supervised by the U.S. management team. Mentors also provides start-up support, training, funding and loan capital for its partner foundations.

With Mentors’ guiding principle of "a hand up, not a hand-out," the donor-receiver dependency relationship is transformed. Mentors requires full repayment of loans, based on individuals’ ability to pay, and provides clients with the tools of knowledge necessary to become self-sufficient.

The organization’s operating philosophy and policies are based on the value system that a successful life, business or society can be built only by building individual character.

Our Strategy

To assist the poor who are anxious to build their livelihood, families and communities through micro and small scale enterprises.

Our Method

To work through our locally-affiliated organizations that provide clients with small business loans, training and counsel.

Our Commitment

To build greater self-respect, self-sufficiency and opportunities through training, character development, counseling and mentoring.

Our Motivation

To serve "the least of these" in developing countries.