Windmill achieves 100% effectiveness in the 2025 Impact Genome Registry

We’ve done it again! Windmill Microlending has officially earned a 100% effectiveness rate in the 2025 Impact Genome Registry. This milestone is more than just a badge, it’s proof that our work to empower skilled immigrants and refugees across Canada delivers verifiable results. 

Following our 2024 verification, this back-to-back validation proves our dedication is built to last. But while we’re celebrating today, our main focus hasn't shifted: we're here to help newcomers overcome financial barriers and restart their careers.

The significance of an Impact Genome rating

The Impact Genome Registry is a global database that helps funders, nonprofits and social impact organizations better understand and compare the outcomes of social programs. It uses the Impact Genome Project: a standardized, data-driven framework designed to measure and verify social impact.

Economic development outcomes: Windmill continues to demonstrate measurable improvements in clients’ economic mobility, helping skilled immigrants and refugees increase their earning potential and contribute their expertise to Canada’s workforce.

Focus on financial health: Windmill’s programs are designed to strengthen clients’ financial well-being by providing affordable loans and support services. Our financial literacy training helps clients learn the basics of the Canadian system including credit scores and history, taxes and building good money habits in a new country.

Beneficial to individuals seeking economic opportunity: Windmill loans help fund the licensing, training or career pivots newcomers need to restart their professional lives in Canada. Paired with Windmill’s mentorship program, we connect clients with industry peers to build their networks and get sector-specific guidance.

In the Impact Genome Registry’s latest report, Windmill reached:

• Effectiveness rate: 100%
• Total number of active Windmill clients: 6,158
• Verified outcomes of positive results: 6,158
• Cost per outcome: $1,299 CAD
• Program budget: $8 million CAD

These results provide independent validation of the impact Windmill creates through its loan and support programs. Behind every verified outcome is a skilled newcomer who has been able to access training, obtain professional credentials, secure meaningful employment or advance their career in Canada.

“In my last job, I was living paycheque to paycheque,” said Kebrid, a Windmill client and heavy equipment operator in British Columbia. “Windmill believed in me, gave me my loan and I achieved my career goal. My Canadian life is better after that loan.”

‍

Windmill supports skilled immigrants and refugees from a wide range of backgrounds:

• 100% are newcomers, immigrants and refugees
• 49% are low-income
• 37% were unemployed at the time of applying
• Ethnicity: 48% Asian, 30% Black and 17% White
• Gender: 53% men and 47% women

While the verification highlights the measurable outcomes of Windmill’s programs, it also reinforces the confidence that donors, partners and supporters place in our work.

“I know how important it is for donors and investors to have confidence that their investments are creating meaningful, measurable change,” said Kathryn Harvey, Associate Director, Philanthropy at Windmill Microlending. “Receiving the Impact Genome Verification again this year is significant for Windmill Microlending because it continues to provide independent validation of the outcomes we achieve for skilled immigrants and refugees across Canada.”

Explore the Impact Genome Verified Impact Report® scorecard: