Since the program participants put in "sweat equity" - they build their own houses from pre-fab materials, they pay back their microenterprise loans with interest, they must offer at least nominal payments for their health care, they help plant trees to reforest land and dig ditches for their village's potable water system - they participate fully in creating a brighter future for their families.

Here are comments by donors and member agencies about The Resource Foundation:

"Thanks for your help and sage advice this year." - Connie Higginson, Secretary, American Express Foundation.

"Disease exposes long-standing social vulnerabilities, especially in less developed economies. Johnson & Johnson seeks to collaborate with credible stakeholders who are addressing critical health care issues. We review needs and plan an international response, jointly with high-impact nonprofits, J&J's local affiliates and our U.S. corporate foundation. The Resource Foundation has been a force multiplier for my charge to identify and fund charities in Latin America. Their dedication to our goals has been a critical component in expanding the J&J Credo of commitment and responsibility to people and communities, and we are using our partnership with The Resource Foundation as a model for increasing our efforts in other regions." - Dr. Rick Martinez, Director, Latin American Contributions, Johnson & Johnson

Hogar Bambi’s children live, learn and play in a caring environment.

"In Hogar Bambi, we receive generous advisory and financial support from The Resource Foundation. We are happy to be partners with The Resource Foundation and to work with such a professional, caring group of individuals." - Francisco Segnini, Executive Director, Hogar Bambi, Venezuela.

Fundaec’s students are grateful for the opportunity to attend school.

"On behalf of the staff of Fundaec (Colombia), I want to congratulate The Resource Foundation team for the invaluable work you are doing to help mitigate the pressing needs of the communities we jointly serve. The growth that The Resource Foundation has experienced over the past years is a clear demonstration of your dedicated, responsible efforts. My congratulations!" - Gustavo Correa, Director, Fundaec.

"The programs that Citibank Peru and Citigroup Foundation have developed in 2005 and 2006 through Acción Comunitaria and The Resource Foundation have helped over 700 microentrepreneurs in Peru. This has not only created a great opportunity for them, but also is of great value for the country´s economic growth, development and stability. We look forward to keep developing these types of programs through organizations like The Resource Foundation, whose excellent professionals demonstrate such commitment to our communities." - Claudia Lima, Public Affairs Officer, Citibank del Perú, Lima, Peru.

"I received the Newsletter today and was so uplifted to read about the initiatives being funded by your organization. I am so grateful for all the good that The Resource Foundation enables." - Erin Avery, volunteer trip coordinator, Georgian Court University

"For Microempresas de Antioquia, the support of Levi Strauss, through The Resource Foundation, has provided us with the opportunity to give significant assistance to the youth of our community." - Dinah Roll, Program Director, Microempresas de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia

"I am glad to have the opportunity to explain why I decided to invest in the Homes of Hope project of The Resource Foundation. First, I believe that the money will be wisely used. Next, I believe in helping the working poor to secure basic housing as a symbol that decent housing is a primary human right. Finally, I believe in loans to show accountability and to encourage funding by corporations, agencies and companies as well as individuals. Thank you for your vision and work." - Joan A., individual contributor

"It is important to continue offering Seminars like this one, which disseminate the programs and advances that microenterprise support organizations have achieved." - Participant, Effective Management for Global Competitiveness in Microenterprises Seminar

"I am grateful for (The Resource Foundation's) efforts to get funding for Arbofilia and other agencies working hard to build community, help the environment and help these people create a sustainable life with dignity." - Guthrie S., VA, individual contributor.

"We are infinitely grateful for the support of The Resource Foundation... which without a doubt has contributed to the improved quality of life for women in El Salvador's poor neighborhoods." - Crefac, El Salvador, member agency.

"The Resource Foundation is an important partner to have in Latin America... We appreciate the important role The Resource Foundation plays in helping community based organizations throughout Latin America gain support for the valuable work they are doing to improve the quality of life in their countries." - Citigroup Foundation, NY, institutional donor.

"Last Fridays' event seemed to me to be a great success - thank you for your energy and enthusiasm. The presentation [of Mexican member Unete on bringing technology to poor rural schools] was great. It made my Salvadoran friends jump at the idea maybe to "franchise" it into El Salvador which is no bigger than one Mexican state and should be easy to introduce." - Peter Wirth, Board Director.