The Trust has found utility in supplementing its thematic work through seeding high quality research that draws from the field, is innovative and catalyses new thinking and approaches. Towards this, the Trust has supported a research programme in the area of micro finance at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), led by Professor M.S. Sriram.

Operationalised in April 2003, the programme develops a comprehensive research agenda around identified themes which include: (i) financial products and the policy environment for micro finance institutions; (ii) strategies to embed micro finance with mainstream financial systems; and (iii) transformation experiences of non profit organisations. The research agenda is expected to synergize with the field-level programmes supported by the Trust.

The programme places value on collaboration in research and dissemination with mainstream financial institutions and partner NGOs. Dissemination will include planning, review and dissemination workshops on an annual basis which would be used to fine tune ideas, develop methodologies, identify potential partners and invite feedback. Work will be disseminated through publications, working papers, research briefs and direct dissemination to possible interested practitioners.

The project has so far worked on two themes: (a) understanding financial flows of the poor through a pilot study in Udaipur (Click here to download udaipur-research.doc - 591K); and (b) studies in transformation of NGOs into MFIs and documentation of efforts of mainstream banks in micro finance, which will be highlighted through relevant case studies.