It’s actually taken me more than a year to write this post about Kiva.org.
Why?
Because I actually wanted to make sure that the thing “worked” and that I wasn’t representing a business that was completely bogus or not valuable to anyone’s time.
But Kiva actually works. (Thank God…!)
Click the image for a bigger view of my dashboard.
Kiva’s Mission is:
to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.
Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.
Wow. When I first heard about it I thought that that was pretty darn cool.
Doing some digging, it appeared legit. So I gave it a go and choose 4 entrepreneurs that needed help and gave them $25 each with (honestly) little expectation of getting it returned (and I share this not to “toot” my own horn but to be candid with my readers… and providing them proof that it’s not a scam…!).
And last month, right on time, they all paid back their loan in full.
But the biggest win is that their businesses are thriving and they are making a living on skills that God has given them and on a passion to provide for their families.
What’s also very cool is that I’ve been able to track their progress though their personal Kiva blogs, as they build their business and talk about their lives.
And one illuminating thought that I’ve had is that it’s all due to the power of the internet. What an amazing opportunity online technology has given us to participate in online giving.
So, if you’re curious, check it out. If you’re thinking of “alternative” ideas for gifting this holiday season, check it out.
The impact could be lifelong, and that’s a gift that keeps on giving.
That is completely awesome. I have heard about micro-lending quite a bit over the past few years, but have never looked into any of the websites that offer it. What a good idea and one that might enable more "givers". Perhaps more people might be willing to lend to help someone out instead of just giving "handouts".
Thanks for the info, John.
sure sure.!
woah. this is really awesome! i'd never heard of this site, but it sounds like an ingenious idea. microloans are awesome, but i think making opportunities available for private lenders is taking the idea a huge step forward.
yeah, i'm glad someone's using tech for this type of stuff.
I have nothing against Kiva. It seems like a fine idea, but why wouldn't you just give to Opportunity International or one of the other groups that run microloan development programs. Their entire focus is small business development through micro lending. The support that a group like Opportunity International gives to the borrowers would seem to be more important than the "personal connnection" that happens through Kiva. (Honestly no trying to knock Kiva, I think there is more than enough room for both, but I do think Op International might be a better program.
i think there are tons of different options out there, and that's a good thing!