TEAR Fund Trust Banks

A TEAR Fund Trust Bank is a group of 15-25 poor entrepreneurs who come together to receive Microenterprise loans, training and mentoring. A Trust Bank is funded by a single person, by a group of New Zealander’s, churches or businesses who want to make a real difference in many lives.

Trust Banks are comprised of poor people, who are rich in energy and ideas, but, without collateral or assets, can’t get a loan from the bank. Under the guidance of our local partner organisation, they form a group, appoint a leader and co-guarantee each other’s loans. They are each given a small loan to start or expand a small business and provided with business training. Repayments are collected each week.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about another country, to connect with a community from an entirely different culture and to share what you are experiencing with other people in your community.

To fund an entire Trust Bank $5,000 per year is needed for two years. 
There are several ways to achieve this.

• Option 1: As an individual
• Option 2: Forming a group with friends, family or work colleagues
• Option 3: Supporting a Trust Bank through your business

There have been as many creative ways of raising funding as there have been Trust Banks supported. While some people can afford to simply write out a cheque, others take it on as a fundraising project enlisting support from business, church or community groups or holding fundraising events. Most people find the funds easy to raise if they keep their eyes on the group of people being supported and the difference it will make.

To support a Trust Bank or find out more, please phone Sue Braithwaite-Smith today on 0800 800 777, or email