While the types of businesses clients use their loans for vary, some typical businesses include running small restaurants or grocery stores; growing crops and raising animals; sewing; selling produce, clothing, or baked goods; and car repair.

The process varies across countries and programs. In many programs, HOPE relies on social collateral, lending to groups of people who cross-guarantee each other’s loans. As a result, members select others they believe will be able to repay. Loan officers provide training so clients are prepared to manage their loan, and they review a variety of factors in the approval process: business plans, amount requested, the current economic market, etc. In savings and credit associations, where members save their own money, the group decides if and when to loan to one another from their pooled savings. HOPE provides loans to people in poverty regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. There is no financial benefit or preferential treatment associated with conversion to faith in Christ.

Loan sizes can vary significantly by country. HOPE typically provides loans ranging from $100 to $2,000 to people living in poverty. This capital is enough to develop a small business to help a family meet their needs including food, schooling, and housing.

HOPE has a loan repayment rate of 98 percent over the past five years.

HOPE serves people living in poverty regardless of their race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. There are no financial benefits or preferential treatment associated with conversion to faith in Christ.

Yes, HOPE-network clients pay interest at a rate that will eventually enable each microfinance institution (MFI) to become self-sufficient. Interest rates are determined based on local context and are competitive and appropriate for HOPE-network areas of operation.