A new ECLOF

During this period, ECLOF continued consolidating its network to 13 countries, all of them in the developing world. The new strategic framework was implemented : strengthening local governance and client outreach ; deepening the relationship…

Preserving the mission amidst change and renewal

By the beginning of the 1990s ECLOF was operating in 62 countries ; most of them in the developing world. Financing for ECLOF came from grants by American, Canadian and European churches and related organizations. ECLOF had a clear social focus…

Pioneering Microfinance

ECLOF’s expansion and reorientation to the developing world led to a concern with the root causes of underdevelopment and poverty in the world. Theological reflection in the WCC resulted in a number of commitments to the poor made…

Expanding to the developing world

In 1956, ECLOF investigated the possibility of expanding its projects outside Europe. At that time, some European ECLOF offices were returning their capital back to ECLOF International, and it was getting more financial support from churches…

Rebuilding churches in Europe

ECLOF was first registered as Ecumenical Church Loan Fund on April 29, 1946 by two private Swiss bankers – Gustave Hentsch and Georges Lombard – together with Dr. Visser’t Hooft, the man who later became first General Secretary of the…