ILCU - Irish League of Credit Unions International Development Foundation Ltd.

The Irish League of Credit Unions International Development Foundation Ltd. (ILCU Foundation) is the charitable arm of the Irish credit union movement. Its mission is ‘to alleviate poverty in developing countries by supporting credit unions, their representative bodies and other co-operative type organisations as a means for socio-economic development through the provision of financial and technical assistance’.

ILCUF provides support to six countries located in Africa and Eastern Europe. Our work is wholly focused on developing and strengthening credit unions and savings and credit cooperatives in our partner countries. ILCUF provides both financial and technical support to each programme country to achieve their objectives towards a strengthened credit union movement and in turn improve the livelihoods of credit union members, their families and their communities. ILCUF programme support helps over 700 credit unions, comprising of over 500,000 members. To achieve its objectives ILCUF works in partnership with an array of development partners, whilst promoting best practice and adhering to the principles of aid effectiveness. The specialist focus of ILCUF’s work is significant-scale, credit union focused, technical assistance. Due to the nature and scope of our work, technical assistance is as important as financial assistance.

Over the years ILCUF has acquired a vast amount of experience and expertise from conducting its own projects and participating in others. This experience and knowledge has ensured the transfer of skills and expertise to our partners and the promotion of best practice.