Direct Oikocredit financing is available to organizations and groups. We reach individuals at the grassroots level indirectly through our financing of microfinance institutions and cooperatives.
Criteria
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Oikocredit's loans must reach grassroots groups in developing countries: cooperatives, financial institutions or small and medium enterprises with real potential for generating a wide social impact.
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Financial returns must be widely spread (and not benefit just a few)
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There must be a clear need for the kind of financial service requested.
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Initiatives must be financially viable and sustainable, with suitable management in place, and able to reach autonomy in a reasonable period of time to take full advantage of Oikocredit's loans' benefits.
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The initiative must contribute to the social and/or economic progress of the community it is placed in.
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Projects where women are direct beneficiaries and are influential in management and/or implementation take priority.
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Special attention is given to environmental impact and animal welfare.