Microfinance for human potential

Empowering entrepreneurs,
one loan at a time.

Through your generosity, the Cambium Foundation funds microloans for individuals building a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Donate now See our impact

22,677 microloans funded to date

22,677Microloans funded

56,567Lives touched

81Countries lent to

98%To borrowers

Our mission

Pioneering positive change through microloans.

At the heart of global progress lies the power of individual potential. We unlock that potential in underserved communities by providing microloans that empower people to lift up themselves and those around them.

Our nonprofit mission is to support people creating an improved future for themselves, their families, and their communities, by funding microloans for individuals in need.

Why microloans?

Microloans are more than financial assistance, they are a beacon of hope.

01
Empower entrepreneurs. Capital for those shut out of traditional banking lets budding entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
02
Boost local economies. As these businesses grow they create jobs, stimulate local economies, and build community.
03
Promote self-sufficiency. Microloans are not handouts. They are tools that help people become self-reliant, with pride and accomplishment.

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Global reach

Cambium has distributed microloans across 81 countries, working through trusted microfinance partners.

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Our promise

98% of every donation goes directly to supporting entrepreneurs with microloans.

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Borrowers first

We focus on the individuals with the greatest financial need, and the biggest dreams.

Borrower stories

Real people. Real businesses. Real change.

A handful of the entrepreneurs your generosity has helped, in their own trades and on their own terms.

Our name

Why
"Cambium"?

The Cambium Foundation draws its name from a powerful symbol in nature: the cambium layer of a tree. In botany, the cambium is a thin layer of tissue between the wood and the bark, responsible for the secondary growth of stems and roots. It is the part of the tree that lets it grow wider and stronger over time, not just expansion, but a fundamental strengthening that lets the tree reach higher, withstand the elements, and support its ecosystem.

This metaphor aligns with our mission. Just as the cambium fosters growth in a tree, the foundation supports the growth and strengthening of entrepreneurs in underserved communities worldwide. By providing microloans, we invest in the potential of individuals to grow their own businesses and contribute to the economic health of their communities.

Each loan, like the cambium's contribution to a tree, may seem small in isolation, but it plays a crucial role in a larger cycle of growth and sustainability. The entrepreneurs we support are enabled to expand their ventures, create employment, and strengthen their community's resilience, much like a tree supports life within its ecosystem.

The name encapsulates this philosophy of nurturing and growth. It reflects our commitment not just to financial support, but to fostering a sustainable, inclusive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and in turn support others, embodying the enduring, life-sustaining qualities of the cambium across the 81 countries we serve.

In their words

Letters to Cambium

“On behalf of all of us, we sincerely thank you for your monetary contribution, but above all, for believing in us.”
Fernanda
“Thank you for helping make my dream come true.”
Specioza
“I am flattered you supported me.”
Leonidas
“Thank you so much for your help!”
Samuel
“Cambium Foundation, thank you so much for supporting our project!”
Jessica
“Thank you so much for your loan. I appreciate your faith in me and my business. I love your mission to help entrepreneurs like me, who truly do much with just a little help. Very grateful.”
Andrea
“Thank you for your support, Cambium Foundation.”
William
“Thank you for your generosity! I appreciate your willingness to help bring our dream to life.”
Christopher
“Thank you so much for supporting our business! With your help, we are bringing new flavors to Tulsa. We can't wait to open our place.”
Carla
“Thank you, Cambium Foundation, for supporting our business! We are very excited to move to our final round of prototypes.”
Laura
“To all the wonderful people at Cambium Foundation, thank you so much for contributing to my loan. I am deeply touched.”
Krishna
“Wow! Thank you so much for helping me build my dream. I can't explain how important this has been to my business growth. Thank you for being willing to help a stranger, you're amazing!”
Rachel

Join us

We're changing lives. Help us go further.

Every loan is a step toward a brighter, more equitable future. When you give to Cambium, you're not just donating, you're investing in a world where dreams are realized and communities thrive.

Donate with PayPal

98% of your gift goes straight to a borrower.

Questions

Good to know

How are the funds distributed?

We work through established, well-known microfinance partners to handle the distribution of funds.

What portion of donations goes to the cause?

98% of all donations we receive are channeled directly to entrepreneurs. Thanks to our efficient team and low overhead, we commit more than many larger nonprofits.

Who do you support?

We focus on individuals with the greatest financial need across 81 countries, helping them start and grow businesses that strengthen their communities.

Get in touch

Contact us

Have a question, a partnership idea, or just want to say hello?

contact@cambiumfoundation.org Support a borrower

Empowering entrepreneurs,one loan at a time.