Apply for financing
Applying for MDLF financing is a detailed process that usually takes several months. We need to fully understand a client's business, and clients need to understand the demands that we will make on them should their application be successful, such as completing detailed monthly financial reports.
Interest ratesMDLF subsidizes all of its loans. Interest rates are lower than commercial rates available to SMEs in the client's country. We carefully consider the details of each project and the prevailing interest rates in the applicant's country before setting the rate. The current average is about 6.5%.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for MDLF financing, the first step is to complete an inquiry form. We will then evaluate whether your organisation meets the basic eligibility criteria for becoming an applicant. If it does, we will start the application process and ask you for more details about your business and your project.
Invest in press freedom
It's easy to invest in MDLF's work, providing independent news businesses with the financing they need to hold governments to account, expose corruption and fight for justice for all.
Track record
From 1996 to December 31, 2011, MDLF provided $113.3 million in affordable financing, including:
· $98.9 million in loans and equity investments;
· $13.9 million in technical assistance and other grants;
· Earned over $36.4 million in interest, dividends and capital gains;
· Collected more than $50.8 million in recovered principal invested;
· $0.5 million through Digital Kiosk, the secure payment service for independent media;
It has written off only 1.91% of the total loaned and invested.
MDLF has returned more than $16.8 million to investors. It ended December 2011 with a portfolio of $40.7 million in outstanding loans and investments.
