The multi-layered nature of local currencies has captivated and energized an informal network of practitioners who are issuing scrip in their own communities. When these activists get together, there is no mistaking the positive dynamic at work. The movement has all the energy, idealism, and mobility of young adulthood - still experimenting to find the right form, not afraid to take risks, able to alter direction as needed, and determined to change the economic system to reflect deeply held social and environmental values.
-Susan Witt in Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered: 25 Years Later... With Commentaries
This directory focuses on place-based, paper currencies that are convertible with other currencies and that are issued by democratically structured, non-profit organizations. These currencies circulate parallel to national ones as a way of uniquely supporting local economies. There are variations, of course; some work with a local bank or banks, and some include a digital component.
The directory consists of 233 physical local currencies, and approximately 70 other local currency programs. It is as comprehensive as possible, but inevitably leaves out some currency programs, particularly those that do not use convertible, physical notes.
Click on a region for detailed list, or explore the map to find individual programs with links to their websites and directory entries.
Additional currency types including Mutual Credit, LETS, Barter, Time Banks and others are listed separately.
If you know of any programs that are not referenced here, please fill out this form.
Blue location tags indicate a local, convertible currency as defined above; red location tags indicate other forms of local currency such as mutual credit or barter systems.
Last Updated June 1, 2020