How does the NICA Fund work?
WCCN does not lend directly to the farmers and entrepreneurs. Instead, WCCN serves as the intermediary between North American investors and Nicaraguan microcredit and alternative finance organizations (our “partner agencies”). WCCN staff and volunteers enact this intermediary role. A Loan Fund Manager (in Madison) oversees the NICA Fund’s portfolio, maintains direct contact with the investors, and ensures timely repayment of the investors’ capital and interest. A Loan Fund Representative (in Nicaragua) maintains day to day contact with our partner agencies. The NICA Fund’s Oversight Committee – a group of experts in finance, law, and economic development – meets monthly to monitor the NICA Fund’s financial situation and to guide lending decisions. Additionally, every year WCCN promotes a study tour to Nicaragua to connect some of our socially responsible investors with our Nicaraguan partner agencies, farmers and entrepreneurs who benefit from these loans.
