Whole Planet to Alleviate Poverty in the World

Whole Planet Foundation is kicking off its 2012 Prosperity Campaign at Whole Foods Market, with the goal of raising $4.1 million to fund poverty alleviation projects across the globe and in the U.S.

Through Facebook, shoppers can submit a 25 – 350 word essay on how their small actions are making a big impact for a chance to win a trip for two to India from Intrepid Travel.

On this seven-day adventure, travelers will experience the power of microcredit firsthand as they meet with loan recipients and take in India’s vibrant sights, sounds and flavors.

For details and to enter, visit facebook.com/wholeplanetfoundation and select the “Whole Planet Foundation: Small Change for Big Change” tab. The deadline to enter is March 18. Winners will be announced on April 2.

This year, in addition to growing its programs in developing-world communities, Whole Planet Foundation has expanded its partnership with Grameen America, a nonprofit microfinance organization that offers microloans to financially empower low-income entrepreneurs, by providing $850,000 in funding.

With no collateral, credit history or a contract required, microloans offer many low-income women their first chance to gain financial independence, launch their own businesses and start a new life.

Prosperity from their food carts, door-to-door cosmetic sales, at-home bakeries and flower shops are helping women provide healthier meals, better housing and a solid education for themselves and their children.

The 2012 Prosperity Campaign runs through March 31. To get involved, shoppers can enjoy fundraising opportunities at Whole Foods Market locations in the U.S. – from wine tastings, fashion shows and silent auctions, to charity races and microbrewry events – or donate their small change for big change at store checkouts and online at wholeplanetfoundation.org.

To date, Whole Planet Foundation says it has committed more than $26.5 million and disbursed more than $15.5 million through microfinance partners in 50 countries, positively impacting more than a million people worldwide.

In the picture above: Diyarbakir, a microcredit client of Whole Planet Foundation partner Turkish Grameen Microcredit Program, used her loan to expand her goat farming business in Turkey. Photo courtesy of Whole Planet Foundation / Diane Bondareff.