Shared Interest
International Trade and DevelopmentNew York, United States2-10 Employees
Shared Interest is a New York–based nonprofit organization operating in the international trade and development sector. Since 1994, it has used loan guarantees to connect South African banks with marginalized individuals, aiming to expand access to financial services for those previously deemed unbankable and to support micro-lending, agricultural cooperatives, and small businesses. As a 501(c)(3) social investment fund, it raises contributions from U.S. individuals, foundations, and financial institutions to foster economic inclusion and human rights-based economic opportunity for South Africans, with the goal of reaching underserved communities. The organization positions itself as a catalyst for social and economic change in South Africa within a broader context of ethical and development-focused initiatives, and recent leadership changes include the appointment of a new executive director in 2021.