The Seven Bar Foundation is a social enterprise that uses cause marketing initiatives and the luxury lingerie industry to support microfinance. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based out of New York, New York, that raises funds for microfinance institutions (MFIs) to help impoverished women start and expand their businesses.
Model
The Seven Bar Foundation is a social enterprise, a nonprofit that uses business models for social impact. The Foundation relies on commercial markets for a consistent revenue stream in place of relying on donor funding, which may be more unpredictable and limited. Seven Bar uses the European lingerie industry as a marketing platform.
History
Seven Bar is a third-generation family involved in general aviation, real estate development, and investments established in New Mexico beginning in the 1950's. Seven Bar along with Black family established the Seven Bar Foundation in 2001 with activities in eight states, contributing to community development projects in each.
Logo
The pink bars in Seven Bar Foundation's logo represent a "ladder" – an exit strategy out of poverty for women.