Prana International

Prana International “Prana”; “life” or “life force,” from the ancient Sanskrit language. Prana is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Pennsylvania. Our primary mission is to affect poverty through supporting indigenous projects that build economic and human capital in developing nations. In real terms, we want to support projects that help stabilize poor people in their efforts toward economic independence. Based on the model of the internationally known Grameen Bank which provides micro loans to the working poor in Bangladesh, Prana has created a micro-credit fund. Loans from the fund help individuals create or expand small businesses. The income from their business helps stabilize or raise income levels and quality of life for the household. Many poor individuals do not have access to commercial financing due to the lack of collateral as well as high lending rates.