Selection criteria

Oikocredit screens all projects carefully based on both financial and social criteria before the decision to finance is made. The criteria by which Oikocredit selects investees reflects its mission and values.

Before any organization becomes an Oikocredit project partner, we measure the enterprise against a number of criteria. These include the extent to which the enterprise:

• Benefits poor and disadvantaged people
• Distributes benefits widely
• Contributes to social and economic advancement of the community in which it is located
• Gives special attention to its ecological impact and the protection of biodiversity
• Favours a cooperative structure so economically disadvantaged people can participate in the operation and management of the business
• Gives preference to women in participation and as direct beneficiaries
• Is economically viable and able to become self-sustaining within a reasonable period of time
• Meets local and international legal and regulatory requirements