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Graphic explanation
Oikocredit believes in co-operation and partnership to achieve our aims. This is reflected in the many trusted, long-term relationships we've built with social enterprises and other partners across the world.
The partners who help us raise capital
We raise much of our development capital direct from individuals members of the public but also rely on capital-raising partners and member-shareholders of the co-operative for the lion's share of our capital.
Institutional member-shareholders and Support Associations (SAs)
We have around 575 global member-shareholders in the Oikocredit co-operative, which are mainly faith-based institutions, Support Associations (SAs) and the Oikocredit International Share Foundation (our public investment vehicle). There are 20 institutional members of the Oikocredit co-operative in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Situated in Oikocredit's core capital-raising countries, Support Associations are separate grass-roots legal entities that are usually member-shareholders of the Oikocredit co-operative. Together with other global members of the co-operative they represent the majority of funds invested in Oikocredit. Our SAs rely on the hard work of committed volunteers to raise awareness of development issues and encourage socially responsible investing (SRI) from individuals, churches and social enterprises. SA members may also serve on the Oikocredit International Supervisory Board and other committees.
Banking partnerships and credit unions
More recently we also have developed partnerships with social banks and credit unions to help us broaden our investor base. Social banks who support us with 'white label' products are all members of Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV):
GLS (Germany)
Crédit Coopératif (France)
Banco Etica (Italy/Spain)
ABS (Switzerland)
Ekobanken (Sweden)
Kindred and Vancity Savings Credit Unions (Canada)
The partners in whom we invest your capital
Oikocredit never finances organisations that are involved in activities such as child labour, arms production, explosive or dangerous materials. We use rigorous criteria to select and monitor the financial, social and environmental focus of our partners.
Once we've committed to working with a partner, we adopt a patient capital approach, often without an exit strategy. We stick by our partners for the long haul.
If, however, we determine that a partner charges excessive interest rates, pays excessive salaries or dividends, or does not see its clients as a priority, we reject the investment application or take active steps to rectify the situation before pulling out of the investment.
Institutional capacity-building donors
Our investee partners often face more than financial challenges. Skill shortages, knowledge gaps or missing certifications can be obstacles to their financial or social goals.
While Oikocredit's core business is social investing, we top-up many of these investments with capacity building donations and programmes so that our partners can operate more efficiently and effectively. These donations come primarily from specific institutions (e.g. the Church of Sweden) as well as dividends donated by investors.
Local technical experts deliver specialised services, which range from improving information management systems to developing new products or providing practical training in business, governance, social, or environmental issues. Each Oikocredit regional office has a dedicated staff member that identifies and monitors capacity building projects in their area.
This extra support helps our partners deliver the social and environmental returns that our investors expect. At the same time, capacity building mitigates the risks to which we expose your investments.
Play our animation to see how Oikocredit's capital-raising and capital-placing activities work side-by-side
Protecting end clients
Controlled, managed, focused and delivering – Oikocredit is a fine example of the power of impact investment, thriving for more than 40 years of topsy-turvy shifts in the global economy. It's a real power, for real good - The Social Stock Exchange: UK capital-raising partner.
Christopher Baker-Brian, co-founder and chief technology officer, BBOXX
We're very proud of our involvement with Oikocredit. Their method of financing helps us potentially open up new capital from local banks in Kenya and Rwanda, which is going to be critical to help us scale up distribution of our renewable energy technology.
Ging Ledesma - Investor Relations, Social Performance & Capacity Building Director, Oikocredit International
Our partners need more than finance alone. Improving the quality of life of communities in a sustainable way calls for more than just credit or equity. Important as these are, we emphasize social & environmental performance monitoring and capacity building. Through our capacity building activities, we help our partners acquire new knowledge, skills and technology; strengthen their governance and improve their business planning, access to markets and overall performance.
Oikocredit UK & Ireland
Investor Relations, Oikocredit International
Berkenweg 7
3818 LA Amersfoort, The Netherlands
workT: 44 (0) 330 355 33 00
uk@oikocredit.orgSend us an email
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