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Building an equitable future together

Our vision, mission and values

 

At Oikocredit, we are dedicated to creating a just society where resources are shared sustainably, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Discover our vision, mission, and values.

vision & mission

Our

Oikocredit is guided by the principle of empowering people. Our experience proves that the most effective and sustainable means of supporting communities is by providing opportunities.

Our vision

We envision a global, just society where resources are shared sustainably, and everyone is empowered with the choices they need to build a life of dignity.

Our mission

Oikocredit challenges all to invest responsibly. It provides financial services and supports organisations to improve the quality of life of people with low incomes and their communities in a sustainable way.

values

Our

Empowerment

Oikocredit supports organisations that empower people with low incomes irrespective of their faith, culture, age or gender, by providing opportunities for economic growth for themselves or their communities.

Sharing

Oikocredit provides a vehicle for meaningful sharing. An uneven distribution of resources, wealth and power can create division. When the global community is prepared to share what they have, respect each other and work together, justice and peace can prevail.

Solidarity

Around the world, people with a caring heart are committed to the pursuit of justice and peace. Oikocredit forms part of that worldwide coalition of solidarity and will always be inspired by its ecumenical roots.

Grassroots

Development is most effective when it stems from the grassroots. In the cooperative culture of Oikocredit, people’s initiatives and participation are central to all acts and policies.

Integrity

Respect between people implies honesty and truthfulness. Oikocredit encourages to listen with an open mind and heart and to be transparent in action and results.

Sustainability

A balanced ecosystem is the basis for life and as such, should be preserved. Oikocredit seeks a healthy balance in nature, in ourselves, and in our social and economic environment.

Download our strategy

Our strategy for 2022-2026 is community-focused, aiming for greater social impact and resilience. Built on three pillars – supporting communities holistically, fostering a global movement, and strengthening connections between partners, members, and
investors – it empowers us to drive positive change and explore new ways
to uplift communities worldwide.

history

Our

The idea of Oikocredit started at a 1968 meeting of the World Council of Churches with young politically engaged church members, from a variety of denominations, calling for an ethical investment channel that supports peace and universal solidarity.

At this time, the concept of Oikocredit was both innovative and controversial. Against the backdrop of world unrest over issues including Apartheid in South Africa and the Vietnam War, church members wanted assurance that church investments were promoting peace and positive development.

To support this, the Oikocredit Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society (EDCS) was founded in 1975. EDCS provided churches and church-related organisations with their own alternative investment channel. From the start Oikocredit’s goal was to promote social justice by providing credit to productive enterprises run by disadvantaged people.