Oikocredit: Investing in hope
Presbyterians investing to overcome poverty
Most investments make money; few make a real difference. But your Investment in Hope through Oikocredit will make both. The financial return on your investment may be modest, but the impact can be life-changing:
- A job upon which to build a life.
- A small business to support a family.
- Enough extra income to send a child to school.
Around the world, Oikocredit, an international Christian credit organization, turns investments into loans that bring hope. In our global economy, credit is often prohibitively expensive for self-help groups. And it often comes with “strings” that can lead to outside control of developing economies. Oikocredit offers an alternative: an affordable loan that encourages self-control. The projects financed are often small — a sewing machine to start a new shop, an improved market facility, machinery for processing crops — but they are critically important to the people who seek the loans to support them. “Oikocredit doesn’t change the world,” says its annual report, “but we do help change the worlds of our partners.”
Investing in Hope, a part of Enough For Everyone, encourages PC(USA) congregations to invest in Oikocredit. Investments can be made for as little as $1,000. It is a perfect way to put some of your investment funds to work for people who are working hard to help themselves. Remember, we’re not talking about gifts; we’re talking about an investment. Your money will be available when your church needs it. The fixed interest rate is 2 percent (or less if you choose). The payoff? A new relationship with the world’s poor — one based on trust, accountability and hope.
Investing in Hope links investment and mission, putting the dollars in your Building Fund or Contingency Fund to work in a way that witnesses to Jesus Christ, who came to bring good news to the poor.
The information contained on this Web site is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any investment product. That offer is made only in the prospectus that will be sent upon inquiry.
How do we invest?
Investment instruments are available for differing situations — and larger investments often involve the Presbyterian Foundation — but the first step is always the same:
Contact Terry Provance at Oikocredit USA at (202) 265-060, by email or visit the Oikocredit website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment?
Investments can be made in amounts of $1,000 or greater in increments of $250.
How much do the investments earn?
Investments earn up to 2 percent per year. You can also chose 1 percent or 0 percent if you would like to further support Oikocredit’s work.
What types of funds are typically invested?
Building funds, contingency funds, endowments, etc.
Is our money accessible?
Yes, investments can be redeemed when the funds are needed for other purposes.
Can individuals invest?
Individuals and groups are encouraged to become investors.
The PC(USA) and Oikocredit
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is the second largest denominational investor in Oikocredit. The Presbyterian Foundation, Presbyterian Women, Self-Development of People and the Presbyterian Hunger Program hold investments totaling more than $2 million.
Many PC(USA) congregations have also invested as part of their commitment to just and sustainable development. These investments range from $1,000 to the $500,000 in Oikocredit shares owned by East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Many Presbyterian individuals and organizations invest as well.
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Comments
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Caroline, thanks for your inquiry. For loan information please contact Oikocredit's East Africa office by email office.ke@oikocredit.org or visit the website at www.oikocredit.org/rm/ke. All the best to you.
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I am a forester by profession,a Tanzanian working with Mangrove Forest Management Project Tanga Region.We are practicing Participatory Forest management,involving communities in the management of mangrove forests.One of our main strategies is to promote small income generating activities as incentives for sustainable conservation,like seaweed farming,beekeeping,mud bricks making,fuel wood saving stoves,all these projects need money etc I would like to know if you could get me a loan ,or provide loan to the groups interested with these projects?
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The mission Commission of the: St. Matthew Presbyterian Church 4001 Bel Pre Road Silver Spring Md., 20906 is considering "investigation" with Oikocredit. Could you send us more information, by email or by Post (attention Don Sasscer). Thanks Don Sasscer
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im afarmer interested in helping women groups and youths to earn there daily income.i bought them generator 5.5hp and 50pvc pipes for irrigation.iwould like to know if you could get me aloan to buy a tractor