No Interest Loan Schemes

In 1981, the Good Shepherd Sisters of Victoria provided funds to the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service to commence the first “NILS”. Since then Good Shepherd have supported the provision of NILS® to low-income earners throughout Australia. 

Good Shepherd has developed NILS® and supplied training in ‘Common Principles and Standards’ which underpin the NILS® practice. The NILS® NSW  Network was set up approx eight years ago to assist organisations in NSW with setting up and running their NILS® program. The Network also provides annual training and information forums.

Many low income households face a major problem if they need to buy an essential household item, but don't have savings and can't access affordable credit.  Community groups, such as Neighbourhood Centres or Charities, run  'No Interest Loan Schemes' (NILS®) to assist with  this problem.

A typical NILS® loan is around $800 - $1200 for whitegoods, furniture, medical appliances or any other essential household item.  As loans are repaid over 12-18 months, the money is 'recycled' and lent out again to other people in the community. 

• Information for Community Organisations (about running NILS®)

• Information for potential borrowers

• Information for potential sponsors

• About this website

• List of NSW NILS®

• NSW NAB Funding

• Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services