“Asociación Proyecto Confianza” (APC) is a not-for-profit organization based in Barcelona, Spain. The association exclusively works with vulnerable individuals who are socially and financially excluded, particularly those without access to traditional banking systems. Its beneficiaries often struggle with low self-esteem, limited professional skills, and a lack of motivation. To date, the Association has reached approximately three thousand families in need, representing 48 nationalities, all of whom have legal residency in Barcelona.

To effectively support the extremely poor, the Association has developed a tailored group mechanism. It holds biweekly group meetings for all our beneficiaries, which foster social capital, enhance self-esteem, and build dignity. Most importantly, these meetings cultivate strong mutual trust among participants, allowing them to support one another and make the most of the services we provide through APC.

In addition to its diverse, need-based social activities, the Association facilitates approximately 200 to 300 small social credit loans annually, ranging from €2,000 to €4,000. These loans are provided without any direct or indirect collateral or legal instruments. This experience has shown that the Association’s effective, tailored group mechanism and the mutual trust it fosters are far more effective than traditional collateral and legal measures.