ICCO

ICCO is the interchurch organisation for development cooperation. We provide financial support and advice to local organisations and networks throughout the world that are dedicated to improving access to basic services, stimulating sustainable economic development and advancing peace and democracy. We also bring enterprising people in the Netherlands and developing countries in contact with each another. To achieve these objectives, we work very closely with social organisations including development organisations, educational institutions and businesses. Our assistance goes to help people in Latin America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe build a more dignified existence and become financially independent. ICCO has 250 employees.

Access to financial services is especially limited in rural areas, which is why ICCO focuses particular attention on this sector. With the aid of small loans, small-scale producers, entrepreneurs and labourers in rural areas of developing countries can improve their socio-economic position. To obtain such loans, they are dependent on microfinance institutions. Aside from providing support to these institutions, ICCO also assists rural producer organisations and companies that are not yet operationally and financially sustainable and have no or only limited access to commercial funds. This support can be given in the form of knowledge sharing, technical assistance, grants, loans or guarantees, and is often provided in cooperation with other actors, such as Oikocredit and the Rabobank Foundation.