KIVA
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We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.
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Kiva Philipines Partners
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The Kiva Planetary Micro-Investment Connection
Follow Kiva President Premal Shah as he visits borrowers who have used Kiva loans to improve and change their lives. It's incredible what $25 can do. (video below)
Did you know there are millions of people who have never even heard of Kiva? We need your help to reach them and show them how easy it is
Who is And What is Kiva
How Kiva WorksWe are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. Learn more about how it works.
Since Kiva was founded in 2005:
More metrics and stats » Why we do what we doWe envision a world where all people - even in the most remote areas of the globe - hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others. We believe providing safe, affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives for themselves and their families. How we do it Making a loan on Kiva is so simple that you may not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes. 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 we call Field Partners, who administer the loans in the field. Kiva relies on a world wide network of over 450 volunteers who work with our Field Partners, edit and translate borrower stories, and ensure the smooth operation of countless other Kiva programs. Learn more about how it works. How we're funded100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes directly towards funding loans; Kiva does not take a cut. Furthermore, Kiva does not charge interest to our Field Partners, who administer the loans. Kiva is primarily funded through the support of lenders making optional donations. We also raise funds through grants, corporate sponsors, and foundations. We are incredibly thankful for the support that has enabled us to do the work that has touched the lives of so many people. Learn more about our partnerships or make a donation. How you can get involved
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Kiva Funds US EntrepreneursKiva City Philadelphia will help local entrepreneurs access small loans (an average of $5,000) with no interest. And, anyone can be a lender. Interested contributors can visit the siteand choose an entrepreneur they want to support with a loan of $5 or more. When the borrowers can, they repay their loans to their respective "investors." Kiva boasts a 98 percent repayment rate. The more a borrower repays in full, the better shot he or she has at a larger loan from Kiva next time. "People are denied traditional loans for any number of reasons," Kiva spokesmanJason Riggs said. "It could be that they simply haven't started their business yet. Maybe their credit history is too young…when traditional lending is stepping back, it's a crowd of people stepping up." Kiva Zip began launching crowdfunded loans in the United States in 2011, Riggs said. Before that, the Kiva platform focused mainly on other countries. It began about 10 years ago in eastern Africa. Kiva Zip has had ties to Philadelphia for more than one year now, Riggs said. It has already brought crowdfunded loans (from lenders all over the world) to 14 local entrepreneurs to start or grow their respective businesses in food, clothing and more. Riggs explained the new Kiva City as a step up from Kiva Zip. "When we see our momentum growing in a city or region, when there's interest from the mayor's office and the city's department of commerce, and we see a desire in need among small business owners for crowdfunded loans, we're able to do Kiva City," Riggs said. For instance, those in charge of Kiva City Philadelphia have already been able to recruit several trustees to publically vouch and vet borrowers. Some trustees include the Enterprise Center, New Kensington CDC and South Street Headhouse. Kiva City Philadelphia announced Tuesday that every dollar lent to a borrower will be matched by one of the four volunteer loan matching providers, including PNC, Zisman Family Foundation, Nancy and Greg Wolcott and Friends of Kiva City Philadelphia. Loans will be matched until they reach $65,000. Although, if additional loan matching providers want to get involved, that number could increase, Riggs said. |
