One of the major development challenges facing Latin America today, particulary Brazil and Colombia, is widespread economic inequality. In both countries, a substantial portion of the population lives in poverty. In Colombia, the top quintile retains 60% of the national income and in Brazil, one-fifth of the country’s population account for only 2.4% of the national income. Before widespread development can occur, the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid, the rural poor, must gain access to capital.


RedEAmerica is a network of 50 corporate foundations from 12 Latin American countries and the United States. Founded in 2002, RedEAmerica’s mission is to help reduce poverty through the promotion of grassroots development. The organization seeks to match member GBOs with the foundations of many prominent, international firms. The goal is to provide these GBO members with the adequate funding, local leadership and training necessary to bridge the gap between the top and bottom of the economic pyramid.

IFC is funding three projects through Rede-Colombia already supported by some of the corporate foundations under the Consortium. IFC is also supporting the development of the Brazilian node and funding projects under this node.

• BONITEX- a network of 40 women, micro-entrepreneurs, working in the textile sector, sharing equipment, inputs, experience, skills and synergies
• ASOERES- an association of rural cooperatives working in an economically depressed region of northern Colombia –Caribbean coast
• APC- a network of 92 sugar cane producers (73 men and 19 women), working together to build self-sustainable businesses

For more information, visit: www.redegf.com