The 

World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge
for developing countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty,
increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Together, IBRD and IDA form the World Bank, which provides financing, policy advice,

and technical assistance to governments of developing countries.  IDA focuses on the
world’s poorest countries, while IBRD assists middle-income and creditworthy poorer
countries. 

IFC, MIGA, and ICSID focus on strengthening the private sector in developing

countries.  Through these institutions, the World Bank Group provides financing,
technical assistance, political risk insurance, and settlement of disputes to private
enterprises, including financial institutions.

The World Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credits, and grants to
developing countries. There’s always a government (or “sovereign”) guarantee of
repayment subject to general conditions. The World Bank is directed to make loans for
projects but never to fund a trade deficit. These loans must have a reasonable likelihood
of being repaid. The IDA was created to offer an alternative loan option. IDA loans are
free of interest and offered for several decades, with a ten-year grace period before the
country receiving the loan needs to begin repayment. These loans are often called soft
loans.