Lending criteria

Oikocredit finances Microfinance Institutions, cooperatives,

small and medium-sized enterprises, fair trade organisation and other NGOs or business

enterprises with proven social relevance if the following conditions are met:

The project must be economically viable, with appropriate management and technical leadership, and become self-sufficient within a reasonable

period of time, in order to fully benefit of the advantages of Oikocredit‘s loan.

The enterprise supported must benefit disadvantaged people.

There must be a clear need for the type of financial service(s) being requested from
Oikocredit.

Financial benefits must be widely distributed and not result in the enrichment of only a few.

The enterprise must contribute to the social and/ or economic advancement of the larger community in which it is located.

Preference is given to enterprises in which women are direct beneficiaries and where they participate in decision-making structures and procedures.

Special attention is paid to the ecological impact and the protection of animals and species.

The project should meet with the environmental criteria adopted by Oikocredit.