Grameen Research Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Who is Professor Muhammad Yunus?

a. Founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has dedicated his life to alleviating poverty. Yunus studied economics at Dhaka University in Bangladesh and went on to receive his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University as a Fulbright scholar. In 1972, Yunus returned to Bangladesh to head the economics department at Chittagong University where he formulated and tested his initial ideas of banking to the poor. In 1983, Yunus formally opened Grameen Bank and in 2006 Yunus and Grameen Bank shared the Nobel Peace Prize.

2. What is Grameen Research’s mission?

a. Grameen Research’s mission is to provide research, training, and other support in the field of microfinance and other services for low-income populations.

3. What projects does Grameen Research support?

a. Grameen Research (based in the U.S.) supports various Grameen entities around the world. Grameen Research has provided initial organizational support for Grameen Aval Colombia, Grameen Carso (Mexico), and Grameen China. Grameen Research also provides continuous support for Grameen America (based in the U.S.) and Grameen Healthcare Trust (based in Bangladesh) in their work.

4. What is the relationship between Grameen Research and Grameen PrimaCare?

a. Grameen PrimaCare (based in New York City) is a project supported by Grameen Research.

5. What is the relationship between Grameen PrimaCare and Grameen America?

a. Grameen PrimaCare was established to address the overall health and wellbeing of low-income families served by our sister microfinance organization, Grameen America. Grameen PrimaCare and Grameen America are separately governed organizations that hold their own 501(c)3 status.

6. What is Grameen PrimaCare’s mission?

a. Grameen PrimaCare’s (GPC) mission is to test and deliver innovative and comprehensive health care models that combine high-quality affordable primary care, health education, and wellness programs, to empower low-income women to build healthier lives and cultivate healthy communities.

7. Where does Grameen PrimaCare work?

a. Grameen PrimaCare is based in New York City, alongside our sister organization, Grameen America. Grameen America currently reaches over 4,000 low-income women in Queens alone and over 10,000 low-income women in New York City. Grameen PrimaCare will open a wellness center in Queens, NY for Grameen America members and their families living in Queens. The wellness center will be available to GA members and their families offering enhanced primary care, health education, discounted services, and a wellness program.

8. Does Grameen work on health care outside of the U.S.? What other Grameen organizations focus on health care and where do they work?

a. Grameen Healthcare Trust, Grameen Healthcare Services, and Grameen Kalyan work on issues related to health care in Bangladesh. Grameen Healthcare Trust aims to establish best practices for sustainable solutions to health care challenges, especially focused on the poor. Grameen Healthcare Services (GHS) is a social business initiative that focuses on addressing the health care challenges faced by poor populations in Bangladesh. GHS is currently operating two eye hospitals, a surface water treatment plant, and a nursing college. Grameen Kalyan has over 50 community clinics in rural areas in Bangladesh that offer primary health care services to poor populations.

9. Is my gift to Grameen Research tax-deductible?

a. Yes. Grameen Research is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status. All contributions made to Grameen Research are tax deductible.