GOOD NEWS from TOLI Entrepreneurs
The words clients share with us show the impact of the TOLI program on real lives, on real families, in real time. We thought you’d enjoy hearing some of the most common questions about TOLI — answered by TOLI clients themselves.
Why microloans?
Because we believe there is no hope in a handout. The key to breaking the cycle of material poverty isn’t charity — it’s dignified work. That’s why TOLI’s model is centered around the God given capacity of every person – and why we walk alongside people not ahead of them. Through small loans, training, and ongoing support, we equip men and women to overcome the challenges in their own lives.
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Who does TOLI serve?
TOLI’s mission is to serve people experiencing extreme material poverty. Working hand-in-hand with local ministries, each TOLI Partner defines specific criteria to identify those most in need of a microloan in their area — men and women who have the determination to work but lack the opportunity.
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Does such a small amount really change a life?
TOLI microloans average around $222 USD — enough to invest in the tools, inventory, or resources to launch their own small business. These small loans are an investment in the dreams, creative capacity, and God-given abilities of each person to build a future for themselves and their families.
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Is a microloan really enough?
No, we really don't think so. That's why our investment in entrepreneurs is not just financial capital. Behind every microloan is a TOLI Social Worker providing business training, support, and Christ-centered discipleship for the life of the loan term — and often beyond. While a microloan is an effective tool, it's just a start.
We believe a microloan program is only transformative in the context of relationships. And that curing poverty is not simply a financial problem to solve. Truly curing poverty must come through the healing of individuals’ relationships with themselves, others, creation — and ultimately their relationship with God.
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Does TOLI only grant microloans to people who are Christians?
TOLI offers loans to all people — regardless of faith. In fact, we love giving loans to those who don’t yet know Jesus, because through the loan they can experience the practical love of Christ. Jesus cares deeply about our physical needs — what we eat, what we drink, and what we wear — and microloans show His love in tangible ways.
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What happens when a microloan is repaid?
TOLI loans are revolving and stay local. When the loan is repaid by a recipient, it's then 'recycled' into another loan, for another project in the very same community. This local focus is one of the reasons behind our clients' high repayment success rate of 98% (over three years) and central to our commitment to sustainability. Over time, a revolving TOLI loan fund can replenish itself, no longer needing outside capital to continue to serve a community.
Interested in understanding the TOLI program even more? Take a look at our program model below.
We’re back! Thank you for praying.
After a busy month, three visiting teams traveled to Egypt and witnessed the TOLI program in action. Thank you for meeting with clients, praying alongside them, and seeing firsthand the real impact happening on the ground.
