Rang De (https://www.rangde.org/) is a pioneering web based social initiative that supports
rural entrepreneurs with cost effective micro-credit for business and education. Through an
online portal, Rang De enables individuals to become social investors by lending small sums
of money to borrowers from low income households listed on the website.

Launched on 26th January 2008, Rang De’s mission is to knock out poverty in India. So far,
Rang De has raised social investments of Rs. 100.3 Million and impacted more than 17,000
borrowers with the help of 4,200 social investors. Many of these borrowers have been able
to create or expand their business (ranging from cow-rearing to bag-making to managing tea
stalls); while a few others used their loans to pay for the education of their children.

To make this scheme sustainable, Rang De works hand-in-hand with local field partners
(often local NGOs) who identify potential borrowers in local communities. Once the
borrowers’ business plans are analyzed and approved, their profiles are posted on Rang De’s
website where social investors can choose the project in which they may invest as little as Rs.
100!

When social investors invest in borrowers’ projects, not only do they help the borrowers
expand their businesses but they also make the borrowers financially independent and escape
the clutches of poverty. Plus, it is an opportunity for the investor to stimulate grass-root
economic development for the community and the country. This allows the social investor to
enjoy a nominal financial return as well as a tangible social return.

Diwali is just around the corner and in the true spirit of the festival, Rang De has decided to
light up the lives and dreams of many rural entrepreneurs. Join Rang De’s initiative to Light
Up India at www.rangde.org/LUI

Read more about Light Up India at http://lightupindia.rangde.org/. For more information

Registration no. BNG(U)-JPN/170/2007-2008
Operational office : A1102, Ajmera Green Acres, Bannerghatta Road - 560076
Regd. Office: No.42, 3rd Main, Puttenahalli, JP Nagar, 7th Phase, Bangalore – 560078

on how you can get involved in Lighting Up India or Rang De, please get in touch with
smita@rangde.org or sushmita@rangde.org.

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