New to Canada? Advance your career with a Windmill loan
Skilled immigrants and refugees can get financial support with an affordable 6.7% low-interest loan of up to $15,000 to pay for accreditation, training, and career development.
Your donation transforms lives
Every $1 donated to Windmill Microlending results in $5.52 of social and economic value, as recognized by the Veritas Foundation.
Donate now
An award-winning, fast-growing charity
In 2023, Windmill was recognized as the fastest growing charity in Canada by the Veritas foundation, along with the recognition as Canada’s top performing charity in the 'Relieving Poverty' sector.
Empowering skilled newcomers to succeed
Immigration enriches Canada’s economy with a diverse workforce and highly skilled professionals. Yet, immigrants and refugees often struggle to get hired in their trained profession.
At Windmill, we provide an affordable fixed-interest loan, along with professional development resources to help immigrants and refugees:
- Pay for upskilling, accreditation, education, training, and living costs
- Overcome credential recognition issues, lack of funding, and credit limitations
- Integrate successfully into Canada’s economy by leveraging their much-needed skills and experience
Loans
We offer low-interest loans of up to $15,000, exclusively for skilled immigrants and refugees. Pay for the accreditation, training, or career development you need to achieve career success in Canada. Our loans are tailored to your unique circumstances and needs.
Career Support
Everything you need to know about accreditation, financial planning, and in-demand jobs in Canada is right here. Excel in your profession with resources in our Career Planning and Success Centre.
Mentorship
Exclusive for our clients, the Windmill Mentorship Program connects you with an experienced professional employed in your field. Gain valuable insights, navigate the Canadian labour market, and acquire skills to secure employment that matches your experience and education.
How Windmill makes a difference
$100 million
In approved loans
Over $80 million have been invested in new Canadians; Windmill aims to help thousands more newcomers rebuild their careers.
10,000+
Approved loans
Over 10,000 new Canadians have received the support they need to start anew in Canada, making dreams a reality and forging a brighter future.
Over 3x
Growth in income
Newcomers take on low-income jobs to survive. Windmill helps our clients return to their trained profession to boost their income by over three times.
75%
Decrease in unemployment
As our borrowers take their next steps, employment opportunities soar upon loan repayment, marking the start of a remarkable journey and booming economy.
95%
Historical repayment rate
Our borrowers’ dedication shines through in their impressive repayment rate, showcasing their determination, skills, and the impact of their success.
Watch Now: How Windmill helps skilled newcomers
Meet our clients
Windmill loans have helped thousands of clients just like you
Read their inspiring stories
Qingzhu (Kelly)
IT Professional
"Magical things happen. Thanks to Windmill, I totally changed my life."
Jerome
Physician
"Even without credit history, they approved my loan. Thanks to Windmill, I am now practicing medicine in Canada."
Seun
Pharmacist
"Without the Windmill loan, I would have had to borrow from family and friends. It helped me be independent and in charge of my life. It gave me peace of mind. I love that the loan is tailored to immigrants."
Binal
Dentist
"The loan helped me with childcare expenses and my schooling. Thanks to Windmill, I am loving my life as a dentist again."
Shekar
IT Professional
"I thought when I came to Canada that I would have equal opportunities. I never thought that there was an elephant in the room called ‘Canadian experience’. This was something that was never talked about by anybody."
Awards and accolades
5-star Rated Charity - 2022
Fastest-Growing Charity - 2022
Canada’s Top Performing Charity - 2022
Best Nonprofit Employer (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) - 2021
Our financial supporters
Windmill Microlending is proud to be supported in part by these generous funders.
Hear from our supporters
Mark S. Bonham
The Veritas Foundation
"Windmill Microlending is an exceptionally impactful charity that excels across the board in its performance and mission to support newcomers to Canada. For every $1 donated to Windmill, we calculate there is $5.52 in social and economic return created. This result exceeds the average return range for all 46,000 Charities in our research of $2.00-$2.25. I would recommend donating to Windmill if you want tremendous return on your charitable investment."
President and CEO
Manulife Canada
"Manulife’s impact agenda is helping to drive inclusive economic opportunities that benefit us all. Manulife is proud to partner with organizations like Windmill to help provide access to financial products and services, like the loans offered to skilled Canadian immigrants and refugees, because we know the profound impact they have on people’s lives and their ability to prepare for their future."
John Montalbano
Principal, Tower Beach Capital Limited
Windmill's Treasurer and Chair, Finance and Risk Management Committee
"I grew up with immigrant parents. While they were not educated, many of our close family friends were. I was struck, at a very young age, by how it seemed unfair that new Canadians came to Canada to pursue their dreams, often at Canada's invitation, only to find that they could not afford to reclaim their professions by paying for accreditation, courses, and exams. I aspired to kick-start the momentum of Windmill's activities in British Columbia by launching BC PALs."
Helen McLean
Donner Canadian Foundation
"Windmill is a remarkably productive non-profit model. Loans, created by donations, get recycled between beneficiaries every four years, and donations of loan capital are working 100% of the time, for 100% of the value."