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The Central America Program works to alleviate poverty in the region by utilizing three strategies:

Micro-finance: SIF invests in micro-finance through the work of Global Partnerships to promote opportunities for economic development and leadership among low-income populations. Vulnerable populations, especially women, can develop knowledge and skills to improve their standard of living by gaining access to and managing credit, investing in small businesses and interacting with other individuals using credit programs. In particular, SIF supports micro-credit programs that combine financial services with important health and education training to leverage the social impact of micro-finance.

Leadership Development: SIF works to alleviate poverty in the region by supporting greater socioeconomic participation and leadership development of key groups, specifically women, indigenous peoples, and at-risk youth. Promoting individual and collective capacity building of leaders, such as those working in human rights, women’s equality, and environmental justice, can bring about lasting social change within a community or country. Additionally, SIF supports the development of a new class of Central American business leaders committed to expanding philanthropy and economic opportunities through support for the Central American Leadership Institute (CALI).

Public Policy: SIF makes grants to increase understanding of public policy issues relevant to U.S foreign assistance and development in Central America. The Central America Program supports research and advocacy in the U.S. and developing countries, with an emphasis on disseminating findings to policy-makers, the media, academics focused on development, and to U.S. development agencies and other stakeholders. Grantees in this area include FUNDE, the Center for Global Development, and the UW Center for Human Rights.