By Nicole Wallace
Thursday, April 20, 2000
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Count Me In is a new Internet-based organization that raises money to make small-business loans to women.

After raising almost $1-million -- from such grant makers as the American Express Foundation, BP Amoco, the Barbara Lee Family Foundation, and the Friedman Family Fund -- for its start-up costs, the organization is now turning its attention to raising money for the loan fund. Count Me In's goal is to raise $25-million during its first year, primarily from individuals.

The center of the group's activities will be its Web site. Donors can now make contributions online, as well as download a fund-raising kit. Women who are applying for a business loan will be able to do so on the Web site, which will also offer financial-literacy information.

The organization was founded by Nell Merlino, a communications executive and founder of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, and Iris Burnett, a former executive at USA Networks.

Ms. Burnett says that she and Ms. Merlino decided to focus their efforts on the Internet because they knew that for their organization to make a difference, they needed to get their message to the largest possible audience.

"We're trying to create a national community of women across the country that transcends race, religion, age, and economic status, someplace where we can all come together to say, See, we really made a difference, and we did it together," she explains.

Count Me In will begin accepting loan applications in June. The loans will range from $500 to $10,000, with repayment terms of 12 to 36 months.