Sanabel and Grameen-Jameel are pleased to introduce a new awards program that recognizes Arab microfinance institutions who demonstrate excellence in the following areas:  1) Innovation; 2) Leadership; and 3) Sustainable Growth.  Award winners will be announced at the Sanabel Seventh Annual Conference in 2010.  Award winners will be receiving cash prizes from Grameen-Jameel in recognition of their accomplishments.

Award Criteria:

1)      Grameen-Jameel Award for Innovation.  This award will be given to the MFI that demonstrates innovation through product development, organizational design, technology, staff training, or other area that is new to the Arab region.

2)     Grameen-Jameel Award for Leadership.  This award will be given to the MFI that demonstrates leadership in its local sector, client retention, human resources, new product offerings, poverty focus, operating in a difficult environment, or other area that differentiates the MFI from other MFIs in the Arab world.

3)     Grameen-Jameel Award for Sustainable Growth.  This award will be given to the MFI that achieves fast growth defined through client outreach, expansion of services, and market penetration while maintaining healthy financial and operational performance.

Eligibility:
All Sanabel members are eligible to apply for the awards beginning from June 1st, 2009. 

Application Deadline:
The application deadline is March 15, 2010. 

How To Apply?
Please complete the appropriate application form attached below  and send it by e-mail to: info@sanabelnetwork.org prior to March 15, 2010.   Applicants may attach supporting data such as brochures, annual reports, certificates, etc. All such accompanying data should be pre-existing and as concise and brief as possible. Applicants may provide pictures (in jpg format) if relevant. 

Selection Process:
A panel of judges representing the Arab region as well as the global microfinance industry will select the MFI award winners.  The judges will be nominated by Sanabel. The Committee members will be published on the Sanabel and Grameen-Jameel websites prior to announcing the results. 

Prize:
A cash award of USD 10,000 will be presented to the winning MFIs, to be disbursed at the Sanabel Seventh Annual Conference in 2010.