The Vinnies NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) provides interest-free loans for individuals or families living on low incomes. It is a community managed micro-finance initiative that provides small loans to people on low incomes in Geelong for the purchase of essential household and personal goods and services. Loans are made without interest, fees or charges, and repayments are recycled to provide further loans to other members of the community. Current partners in the project include St Vincent De Paul Society Inc, Uniting Care 'Concern', the Catholic Social Justice Committee, the Salvation Army and Individual community members. For its first 12 months of operation, it is auspiced by St Vincent de Paul Society Inc. There after the program will, under the direction of Management, transition into its own incorporated entity or other independent arrangements for the future. The first No Interest Scheme was established in 1981 by Good Shepherds Youth and Family Service to assist women to live independently. Since that time, numerous NILS Programs have been established by various local community groups and organisations, many with the support of the Ian Potter Foundation. National Australia Bank and the Department of Planning and Community Development committed to expand and support funding for NILS throughout Victoria. This has resulted in the development of further NILS programs.