Global Communities ignites change by empowering communities

Global Communities was founded in 1952 and, over the years, has merged with like-minded organizations to become a leading force in community-driven development, now working in 35 countries. The organization is deeply committed to empowering people to build resilient, thriving communities through solutions tailored to their social, economic, and environmental needs. Listening to community members is central to every project, ensuring genuine local ownership and lasting results.

Global Communities runs programs focused on financial inclusion, economic development, health, food security, and humanitarian response. Its approach combines sound business practices with social impact, demonstrating that financial success and positive change can go hand in hand, especially through thoughtful financing.

To encourage inclusive growth, Global Communities created Vitas Group, a commercial partner that provides fair, responsible loans to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses—the backbone of local economies. Vitas specializes in reaching individuals and entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional banks, issuing billions of dollars in loans over the past twenty years while maintaining low default rates through strong local relationships and supportive client programs.

Global Communities’ impact includes:

•  4.4 million+ people reached to meet essential needs and build long-term resilience
• 16,711,841 healthy meals served to 300,000 primary school students across three countries
• $249 million in loans distributed to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and families to expand opportunity

Impact Story

AGROSERV is a family-owned business in Caransebeș, Romania. Through its grocery stores, restaurant, and busy bakery in Obreja, AGROSERV helps create jobs, improve food access, and strengthen the local community.

 A partnership with Vitas Romania changed the course of the business. Owner Mihai Pop praised the Vitas team for listening carefully and providing guidance based on real-world experience with local enterprises. With a loan from Vitas, AGROSERV expanded its bakery from 2,691 to 8,073 square feet and renovated its restaurant. These improvements increased production, created new jobs, and enhanced services for residents.

Mihai valued the simple and supportive loan process that allowed him to focus on growing his business and serving the community. AGROSERV is a powerful example of how investing in local businesses—together with trusted partners—leads to tangible progress and prosperity for all.

The Praxis Commitment

Praxis Investment Management™ supports organizations like Global Communities through investments in Calvert Impact, a leader in impact investing that provides financing for community development around the world. This reflects the Praxis commitment to direct approximately 1% of each of its funds toward community development investments—strengthening neighborhoods and creating opportunities for individuals and families.