About the NILS Programme

LEDP has inherited the NILS programme from Good Shepherd Microfinance.

NILS provides small, manageable loans interest free to those in most need of short term financial support, which are not commercially viable for banks or credit unions. The NILS loan is provided to enable people on low incomes the opportunity to purchase significant/essential household items, or a service, that improves their quality of life or enhances social and economic participation where they would otherwise not be able to access fair and affordable credit.

The 'circular credit' model means that on repayment of the loan, the capital is then available for someone else to borrow for their own needs.

The project is run by LEDP in collaboration with local partner organisation across the Mid-West, with whom borrowers have existing and ongoing engagement, thus providing individual credibility. The programme only receives clients on a referral basis.

The programme does not accept direct applications from individuals, only those referred by a partner organisation.

If your organisation would like to become a referral partner, please contact us: NILS@ledp.ie