The MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an independent global foundation which states it "advances youth learning and promotes financial inclusion to catalyze prosperity in developing countries." Since its inception in 2006, it has collaborated with partners in developing countries, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. It is based at the Eaton Centre in Toronto, Canada and operates independently of Mastercard International.

The foundation was established in 2006 through a gift of shares from Mastercard International at the time of the company's IPO.Reeta Roy was named the foundation's president and CEO in 2008.

The Mastercard Foundation increases access to financial services and educational opportunities. To achieve this, it partners with nonprofit and non-governmental organizations that focus on the key areas of Financial Inclusion and Youth Learning.

Financial inclusion is where low-income individuals, households, and small businesses have access to and can effectively use appropriate financial services (formal and non-formal, from a range of providers). The foundation's Financial Inclusion program works with partners to expand access to and increase the reach of financial services. Its stated goals include: scaling access to financial services; pioneering financial services for youth; and promoting responsible finance.

The foundation's financial inclusion partners include ACCION International, the Aga Khan Foundation, BRAC, CARE Canada, Catholic Relief Services, Freedom from Hunger, Grameen Foundation, Fonkoze, Microfinance Information Exchange Inc., Microfinance Opportunities, Microfinance Transparency, Opportunity International, Plan Canada, Save the Children, The SEEP Network, Water.org, Women's World Banking, UNCDF, Equity Group Foundation, Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA), Participatory Microfinance Group for Africa (PAMIGA) and The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

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