Steve’s breakdown: The good news is we have the RFP. They are due Feb. 5. View the RFP here. The better news is there is no incumbent.

WASHINGTON, DC: The U.S. arm of one of the world’s largest private financiers of so-called micro loans is in the market for PR proposals as it re-brands and seeks a younger investor base.

Oikocredit USA, based in Washington, D.C., is the domestic unit of The Netherlands-headquartered Oikocredit International, which lends working capital to micro finance institutions lending in countries like India, Bolivia, Paraguay and Cambodia, to name a few.

The U.S. arm of the organization, which has its roots in a 1968 meeting of the World Council of Churches, wants to broaden its appeal on engage financial advisors focused on socially responsible investing and raise an admittedly low profile in the country.

“Oikocredit USA faces certain challenges, including the misconceptions that we are a faith-based organization, that we invest directly in individuals, that we are a micro finance institution or solely an investor in micro finance, or that we are a charity in need of one-time donations,” reads the RFP.

A firm will be responsible for media training and relations, messaging and support for its 2013 investor conference, among other tasks.

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