Promotes sustainable development through investments and loans.
Oikocredit has over €1.3 billion in assets for project financing.
**Summary of Oikocredit** Oikocredit is a global cooperative and social investor founded in 1975, focusing on promoting sustainable development in low-income countries. The organization provides loans, equity investments, and capacity-building grants to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. **Focus Areas:** - Financial inclusion - Sustainable agriculture - Renewable energy **Financial Resources:** Oikocredit has over €1.3 billion in assets under management, primarily invested in 674 partner organizations across more than 70 countries. The capital is provided by individual and institutional investors from 12 countries. **Typical Project Financing:** The typical investment size varies, but Oikocredit has channeled significant amounts into various sectors. For example, in 2014, €40.3 million was invested in 85 fair trade partner organizations. **Criteria for Funding:** Projects must align with Oikocredit’s mission of improving the living standards of low-income people and communities. The organization seeks a triple bottom line: modest financial return with strong environmental and social impact. **Recent Projects:** Recent projects include financing for entrepreneurs like Tran Thi Ha in Vietnam, who expanded her carpentry business with microcredit, and Sarah Nakafeero in Uganda, who improved her market stall with a loan from Oikocredit. Additionally, Oikocredit has invested in fair trade organizations and renewable energy projects in various developing countries.