MEDA Annual Report – 2020

This has been an extraordinary year at MEDA!

The staff and board, in consultation with our stakeholders, developed the strategic plan – Towards An Equal World – and reaffirmed our mission of creating business solutions to poverty. We strengthened the approach by focusing on agri‐food systems building on our Mennonite roots and 65+ years of achievement. MEDA is committed to staying strong and relevant in a constantly changing world while engaging with our donors, funders, clients, and partners in new and exciting ways.

In early 2020, the global pandemic changed our world significantly, bringing on new challenges but also opportunities for our vision. MEDA staff and partners took the time to pause, regroup and reimagine what it will mean to deliver technical assistance and access to finance while ensuring the safety and health of all. We could not have predicted the change in our operating environment. Gratitude abounds for the unwavering commitment of our staff around the world and you, our supporters.

Despite the global implications of COVID‐19 and the devastating setbacks in eradicating poverty, we remain committed to our mission. It has been incredible to hear stories of creativity and resilience spring out of adversity. We look forward to “building back better” to achieve impactful change for those who need it most. As always, in all our work we endeavor to seek strong partners, to create innovative solutions, to follow the data, and to scale what has been proven to work.

Our year‐end financial results as of June 30, 2020 were strong and show continued stability, as outlined in the audit results in this report. The progress we made was only possible because of our members, institutional funders, partners, and supporters. Your ongoing support and advocacy enable us to contribute to the lasting impact that is needed to allow people to create opportunities for a better life and lift themselves out of poverty.

Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now, you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.”

Thank you to our members for your engagement in the local network hubs, telling others about MEDA, and sharing your blessings to change lives.

As you read through this report, we invite you to see yourself as a partner in our journey. Stories from our clients demonstrate how your support enables MEDA to build thriving economies that benefit whole communities. We look forward to our continued partnership with you as we move together towards an equal world.

Wishing you safety and health.

Sincerely,

Jenny Shantz
Chair, Board of Directors

Dr. Dorothy Nyambi
President & Chief Executive Officer