Kiva
Kiva doesn’t ask for donations; instead they ask for loans for people who are borrowing money to improve their lives. You start by reading the borrowers’ stories on the website. After you choose someone you want to help, you loan whatever amount you want, starting with a minimum of $25. When your money is repaid, you can either loan the money to someone else, donate it to Kiva, or withdraw it.
I often deposit money on behalf of other people, for example as Christmas or birthday gifts to people who already have everything they want. Then they can choose their borrowers and decide what they would like to do with the money after it is repaid.
Kiva works with microfinance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. One hundred percent of your loan is sent to these microfinance institutions, which they call Field Partners, who administer the loans in the field.
Kiva relies on a worldwide network of over 450 volunteers who work with the Field Partners, edit and translate borrower stories, and ensure the smooth operation of countless other Kiva programs.
Kiva offers the following opportunities for involvement:
- Make a loan!
- Purchase a Kiva Card
- Share Kiva with your family and friends
- Work or volunteer with us
- Learn more about microfinance and why Kiva is unique
To go to Kiva’s website, click here (opens in a new window)
