In 2007, Oxfam utilized discretionary startup money plus additional project funding, first from Linked -- based in the United States -- and later from FAHU. Between 2008 and 2011 women organized 4,500 women (and a few men) into 330 groups. Most of the members women lived in villages in one of the poorest Departamentos (states) in El Salvador.

Given its longstanding support of savings groups, the Foundation was curious to see how the groups in Chalatenango – one of FAHU's first projects -- had fared thirteen years after their initial grant. To do this, FAHU provided funding to carry out the evaluation. The mission was to learn how many groups were still saving and lending, how many groups disbanded, and understand the reasons for both outcomes.

The research consisted of three components:

1. Qualitative research based on interviews with focus groups of local promoters
2. Quantitative study of the groups trained by a sample of the group organizers.
3. A brief video illustrating the principal findings of the research from the perspective of the trainers, group leaders, and others