From RCDS to RCDP

A non-profit organization

Rural Community Development Society

The Rural Community Development Programme (RCDP) traces its origins to the establishment of the Rural Community Development Society (RCDS), a non-profit organization founded in 1995 under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860. RCDS was initiated by a group of young university graduates, social scientists, philanthropists, and professionals from various fields, all with extensive experience in working with NGOs both within and outside Pakistan. Under the leadership of Mr. Muhammad Murtaza, these visionaries aimed to create an institution dedicated to grassroots development and social welfare. They began their journey in District Nankana Sahib, formally registering the organization under the name RCDS.
RCDS initially launched its social sector programmes, including a microcredit initiative in 1998, designed to stimulate economic activities within communities with a particular focus on women’s participation. In April 2001, RCDS partnered with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) to extend its integrated development services across Punjab. During this period, the organization placed strong emphasis on institutional development and sustainability, ensuring its capacity to serve communities over the long term. Through its partnership with PPAF, RCDS gradually developed operational manuals, methodologies, and a comprehensive framework to deliver both financial and non-financial services to impoverished communities, especially in rural areas. As a partner organization of PPAF, RCDS demonstrated its capability and expertise in using an integrated approach to development, always adapting to changes to meet future demands.

RCDS has formed partnerships with numerous international and national donors

Throughout its history, RCDS has formed partnerships with numerous international and national donors, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF), The Asia Foundation, Plan International, Embassy of Japan, Unilever International, Engro Foundation, and other national donors in Pakistan. These collaborations have solidified RCDS’s reputation as a multifaceted rural development organization.

Maintaining Commitment

Recognizing the need to extend its services to underserved urban populations, RCDS expanded its reach to poor households in urban areas, maintaining its commitment to empowering marginalized communities, especially women. This expansion involved initiatives in social mobilization, the establishment of non-formal schools, and the extension of microfinance services to support slum dwellers in engaging in informal income-generating activities.

RCDS has successfully implemented a wide range of integrated programs that address various development challenges. These include social mobilization, health services focusing on quality antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries at basic health centers, livelihood enhancement and protection, employment and enterprise development, community physical infrastructure, farmer enterprise development, agribusiness projects, emergency response and early recovery initiatives in flood-affected areas, youth development programs, vocational skills development, non-formal education, widow empowerment, and entrepreneurial development programs. Through these initiatives, RCDS has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities in both rural and urban settings, empowering women, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level.
A non-profit organization

Rural Community Development Programme

Founded in 2015 by Muhammad Murtaza, the Rural Community Development Society (RCDP) has emerged as a beacon of hope for the financially marginalized communities of Punjab and Pakistan. Driven by the visionary leadership and unwavering dedication of its founder, RCDP has swiftly ascended to become the leading microfinance institution in the country.

Its remarkable journey over less than a decade reflects a commitment to socioeconomic empowerment and financial inclusion, particularly for women.

A Vision for Change

Muhammad Murtaza founded RCDP with a singular mission: to proliferate microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation and community development. Recognizing the barriers that rural and underserved communities face in accessing traditional financial services, Murtaza envisioned an institution that would not merely lend money but foster self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

His vision centered on empowering individuals, especially women, to become active participants in the economic fabric of their communities.

Expanding Reach and Impact

Since its inception, RCDP has demonstrated exponential growth in both scale and impact. Currently, the organization operates across 30 districts in Punjab, effectively bridging the gap between financial institutions and rural communities. To date, it has served over 1.5 million borrowers, with an active borrower base of nearly 0.3 million.

RCDP’s focus on women borrowers is particularly noteworthy. Women account for over 97% of its clientele, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering women as economic agents. By providing women with access to capital, RCDP has enabled them to start small businesses, invest in education, and improve their families’ quality of life. This targeted approach has created ripples of change, driving community-wide development and breaking the cycle of poverty.

Financial Milestones

One of RCDP’s most remarkable achievements is its financial outreach. Since 2015, the organization has disbursed over Rs. 72 billion in loans to its borrowers. This impressive figure reflects not just the scale of RCDP’s operations but also its financial prudence and the trust it has garnered among borrowers and stakeholders alike.

The institution’s ability to maintain a high repayment rate is a testament to its effective borrower engagement, robust credit assessment mechanisms, and community-centric approach.

Transforming Lives Through Microfinance

The impact of RCDP’s microfinance initiatives goes far beyond numbers. Each loan disbursed represents a story of transformation. For many borrowers, access to microfinance has been the key to unlocking opportunities that were previously out of reach. From small-scale farmers investing in better tools to women establishing home-based businesses, RCDP has enabled countless individuals to take charge of their destinies.

By prioritizing rural areas, RCDP has also addressed the issue of regional inequality. Its services have brought economic activity to some of the most underserved parts of Punjab, catalyzing local development and creating ripple effects in education, health, and infrastructure.

A Model of Excellence

RCDP’s success is rooted in its unwavering commitment to its mission and its innovative approach to microfinance. The organization has developed a borrower-centric model that emphasizes financial literacy, capacity building, and community engagement. Borrowers are not merely clients but partners in development, encouraged to grow their businesses sustainably and contribute to their communities.

Moreover, RCDP’s leadership under Muhammad Murtaza has ensured that the organization remains agile and responsive to evolving challenges. Whether through leveraging technology to streamline operations or adapting products to meet the specific needs of its clients, RCDP continues to set benchmarks for excellence in microfinance.

Looking Ahead

As RCDP continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, its journey serves as an inspiration for other organizations working in the development sector. The institution’s success underscores the transformative potential of microfinance when driven by a clear vision, dedicated leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Under the guidance of Muhammad Murtaza, RCDP has not only reshaped the microfinance landscape in Pakistan but has also demonstrated the profound impact that targeted financial interventions can have on individuals and communities. As it builds on its legacy, RCDP remains steadfast in its mission to empower lives, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan.

Implemented a wide range of integrated programs

Since inception, RCDS developed partnerships along with donors especially on the basis of strong management team, transparency and effective implementation at grassroots levels. RCDS developed effective mechanisms and systems and prove itself as better organization at national level. Keeping in view the scenario RCDS management decided to make separate entity for micro-finance programme.

More Donors & Investor from commercial banks

In 2015, with focus on a core programme of financial inclusion, RCDS created Rural Community Development Programme (RCDP) to synergize with its financial sector programs and bring in more donors & investors from commercial banks and spin-off its microfinance sector into a separate legal entity.

RCDP has been registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under Section 42 of Companies Ordinance 1984 as a not-for-profit entity. RCDP applied for Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) license on June 2, 2016.