Since CARE first formalized the community-based Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model in Niger in 1991, it has become a cornerstone of financial inclusion—shaping policy, influencing economic systems, and transforming development practices worldwide. As the originator and a global leader in savings groups, CARE continues to refine and expand the model to reach more people, more effectively.
Our ultimate goal is to benefit women and girls by strengthening entire communities and local economies. We’ve developed these practical tools and guides to make it easier for CARE teams, partners, and other organizations locally and internationally to implement and invest in self-sustaining savings groups. By sharing these resources, we aim to reduce duplication, amplify impact, and ensure more women benefit from programs that last.
We’re always learning and growing for our VSLA women—investing in scalable best practices so any organization can replicate, adapt, and extend approaches that benefit women savers.