Media Development Loan Fund is a U.S. 501(c)(3) private foundation dedicated to assisting independent news organizations in developing democracies worldwide. In the countries where MDLF works, independent newspapers, magazines, news agencies, and radio and television broadcasters, often competing with well-financed state controlled media, have limited or no access to capital on reasonable terms.

MDLF tries to level the playing field by acting as a non-profit venture capital fund, using an in-depth approach to provide our clients with low-interest loans and other forms of financing for development projects coupled with management training and technical assistance.

By insisting on the ultimate repayment of loans and by enforcing stringent reporting and monitoring rules, MDLF assists independent media companies to adopt stricter business procedures to the profession of journalism and to improve their management, financial, and business skills.

Since 1996, MDLF has extended approximately $15 million in low interest loans and program related investments (PRIs), and its borrowers have already repaid approximately $3 million in principal and interest.