National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) under the aegis of Ministry of Minority Affairs Government of India, is working to promote economic development of the notified minorities. The Corporation is a Public Sector Undertaking. It was incorporated on 30th September, 1994 under Section 25 of the Companies Act as a Company not for profit. The main objective of NMDFC is to promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of "Backward Section" amongst the minorities, preference being given to the occupational groups and women.

The target groups for NMDFC with regard to direct benefit are the persons belonging to Minority Communities and living below double the poverty line. At present, Minority Communities as per the National Minorities Commission Act, 1992 are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. At present families having annual income less than Rs. 40,000/ - in rural areas and Rs.55,000/- in urban areas are categorized as below double the poverty line.

NMDFC has following two channels to reach the target groups:

1. STATE CHANNELISINGAGENCIES (SCAs)
   

   It is the main channel. SCAs are nominated by respective State Governments. At present, NMDFC has 34 Channelising Agencies.

   
   
2. NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOS)
   

   Services of selected Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are utilized for reaching the self help group (SHGs)/beneficiaries.