From inner city Cairo to remote Kenya, TOLI serves communities that are heart-breakingly poor. But we understand that even in these places, rich assets and creative ideas are just waiting to be unleashed. Investing in one person at a time, one dream at a time, releases a ripple effect that transforms individuals, families, villages, nations. We've seen it happen again and again.
Here's how it works:
Identify, invest, equip, repeat
TOLI’s framework can be broken down into four simple steps:
1. IDENTIFY
TOLI partners with a local church or local Christian organization. These local partners adopt the TOLI program in order to help them holistically minister to people in the community God has called them to serve. They choose a ‘target group’ (or groups) to focus on.
2. EQUIP
Potential clients from the target group are offered TOLI’s Business Basics Course, where they learn basic business skills. Graduates can apply for a microloan, which is issued in the form of the goods or assets necessary to begin the new business. No cash ever changes hands.
3. INVEST
The average loan value ranges from $200 to $300. But the investment is not just capital: A local field staffer provides ongoing support, walking alongside each entrepreneur for the life of their loan to coach, assist, and provide spiritual discipleship.
4. REPEAT
Recipients have about 18 months to pay back the loan. TOLI loans are revolving and stay local. When the loan is repaid by a recipient, it's then 'recycled' into another loan, for another project in the very same community.
Want a more detailed look at how we work? The TOLI Microloan Program Framework is a visual tool illustrating our program structure and impact goals. Click here or download the pdf to learn more.