Our Journey
A journey of faith, service, and impact.
ESAF Foundation began its journey in 1992 in a modest home named ‘Little’ in Mannuthy, Kerala’s Thrissur district, with a simple yet profound belief: every individual, regardless of circumstance, holds the potential to shape their own destiny. Rooted in faith and driven by a commitment to service and innovation, this vision has guided ESAF for over three decades.
Throughout our history, ESAF Foundation has pioneered financial inclusion, empowered grassroots changemakers, and fostered enterprise driven solutions that create lasting opportunities for underserved communities.
Today, ESAF Foundation stands as a far-reaching organisation, impacting over 5.5 million lives across 12 Indian states.
Key Milestones
A Vision Takes Shape
1992
In his final year of college in 1982, Dr. K. Paul Thomas discovered his life’s purpose in addressing the growing unemployment among educated youth and the widespread poverty in rural communities. Inspired by Jesus Christ’s Great Commandment, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” and sharing this vision with his Co-founders, his wife, Mereena Paul and Mentor Dr. Jacob Samuel, he founded the Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF) on March 11, 1992, transforming faith into meaningful social action and community empowerment.
Community Initiatives Begin
1994
ESAF began organising neighbourhood women self-help groups (SHGs) in Thrissur district, Kerala, laying the foundation for community-driven development.
Advancing Financial Inclusion
1995
ESAF Foundation introduced Micro Enterprises Development (MED) services — a programme built on three pillars: credit access, market linkages, and training — to equip local communities with the tools they need to build and sustain their own livelihoods.
Inspired by Global Leadership
1997
A pivotal meeting between Dr. K Paul Thomas and Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus strengthened ESAF’s commitment to microfinance. With the backing of Grameen Trust, Dhaka, ESAF received its first seed capital, enabling expansion.
Expanding Reach
2001
Oakseed Ministries International, founded by the late Rev. Dr. Edward Bradley, became a key supporter, helping ESAF extend its services across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.
Strengthening Healthcare Access
2007
The ESAF Hospital & Research Centre was established in Thachampara and Kozhinjampara, Palakkad, Kerala, reinforcing ESAF’s commitment to holistic well-being and healthcare accessibility.
Transition to Microfinance
2008
ESAF transformed its microcredit services into ESAF Microfinance and Investments Private Limited, an RBI-licensed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). As a further step, ESAF Retail Private Limited was founded to facilitate market access for SHG members.
Promoting Cooperative Banking
2011
ESAF launched the ESAF Swasraya Multi-State Cooperative Credit Society, initially operating in eight states and later expanding across India, to promote co-operative banking and ensure that financial services remain community-driven, inclusive, and democratically governed.
Regulatory Recognition
2014
ESAF Microfinance received its 'NBFC-MFI' license from the Reserve Bank of India, formalising its status as a microfinance institution.
Small Finance Bank Approval
2015
In October 2015, the Reserve Bank of India granted in-principle approval for ESAF Microfinance to establish a new Small Finance Bank, a major step toward bridging financial gaps in rural and underserved areas.
Final Approval to Commence Banking
2016
In November 2016, ESAF Microfinance received final approval from the Reserve Bank of India to commence banking operations as ESAF Small Finance Bank.
Banking Operations Begin
2017
On March 10, 2017, ESAF Small Finance Bank officially commenced operations, becoming the first RBI-approved bank from Kerala post-independence. Staying true to its mission, ESAF continued providing responsible, accessible banking services to those traditionally excluded from the financial system.
Achieving Scheduled Bank Status
2018
ESAF Small Finance Bank received Scheduled Bank status, marking a key milestone in its financial inclusion journey.
Investing in Skill Development
2019
ESAF launched the Lahanti Institute of Multiple Skills (LIMS) in Dumka, Jharkhand, focusing on vocational training and employment readiness for local youth.
Responding to COVID-19
2021
ESAF Foundation launched SURAKSHA-21, a COVID-19 education and vaccination programme, which reached over 6 lakh people across six states with support from Opportunity International Australia.
Transition to ESAF Foundation
2022
A new chapter began on July 20, 2022, as ESAF officially became ESAF Foundation, reflecting its transformation into a broad-based social enterprise dedicated to holistic community development.
Building Collective Excellence
2024
The Bharat Center of Excellence in Collective Enterprises (BCECE) was established to support Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Producer Companies, and Cooperatives in enhancing their corporate structures and business efficiency.
Strengthening Agricultural Processing
2024
ESAF Co-operative established Kerala’s first Integrated Pulses Processing Plant in Kanjikode, Palakkad, capable of processing 67,000 tonnes of pulses per month.
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Catalysing Entrepreneurship
From illuminating Majuli Island in Assam to providing large-scale COVID-19 relief, ESAF continues to drive social change. Our unique social-business model has launched 24 social enterprises across diverse sectors, creating sustainable livelihoods while ensuring financial inclusion.
Learn MoreAwards & Recognition
Learn more about the recognitions that reflect our commitment to people, planet, and prosperity.
View Awards & Recognition
