1966

UNCDF is established

UNCDF officially established as "autonomous organization within the United Nations" with the purpose to "assist developing countries in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants and loans" .
1973

Focus on the Least Developed Countries

Governing Council reorients UNCDF's activities towards "first and foremost the least developed among the developing countries".
1990s

Local Governments & Microfinance

UNCDF began to focus on the role of local governments in planning, financing and maintaining capital investments. Also started supporting microcredit institutions, establishing itself as a leader in the field of Microfinance (precursor to Financial Inclusion)
2014

Strategic Framework 2014-2017

Capital investment: technical assistance in Local Development Finance and Inclusive Finance. Part of UNDP Strategic Plan 2014-2017.
2015

Growth, Innovation and Partnerships

31 LDCs covered, responding to emerging development challenges, new development partners: private foundations and corporations.
2016

13 December 1966: UNCDF's 50th Anniversary

Commemorative events held in 10 countries.
2018

Strategic Framework 2018-2021

The Strategic Framework aims to support the achievement of sustainable development goals 1 and 17 in least developed countries by making finance work for inclusion, in collaboration with UNDP and other United Nations partners.