WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 3, 2016 – The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge orporation (MCC) today released its fiscal year 2017 scorecards – a key component in the agency’s annual competitive selection process that determines which countries will receive MCC development funds. Scorecards for all 82 low and lower-middle income countries, as classified by the World Bank, are now available.
MCC’s competitive selection process is a data-driven, transparent method for determining where the agency invests its development dollars. To be considered for MCC funding, countries must first pass MCC’s scorecard – a collection of 20 independent, third-party indicators that measure a country’s policy performance in the areas of economic freedom, investing in its people, and ruling justly. The tool represents one of the many ways MCC is distinctive in how it works to combat poverty through economic growth around the world. This year, of the 82 countries MCC created scorecards for, 33 countries passed while 49 did not pass.
MCC partners only with select countries committed to basic principles like fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights – including the rights of women. Each December, MCC’s Board of Directors selects new partner countries based on their scorecard performance, relevant supplemental information, the opportunity to reduce poverty and generate economic growth, and available funding. Over the coming weeks, MCC’s Board will closely examine this information in advance of its December meeting, where it will select new country partners.
Once MCC partners with a country through a compact or threshold program, investments go toward projects like power, clean water, land rights and roads that lead to economic growth and help people lift themselves out of poverty.
Read more about how MCC selects who it funds and view the newly redesigned 2017 scorecards
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The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. Government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to poor countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, from fighting corruption to respecting democratic rights. Learn more about MCC at www.mcc.gov.