KIVA - loans that change lives

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 to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.

(photo credit: John Briggs)

The www.kiva.org was released in October 2005 by Matt Flannery and Jessica Jackley who are the founders of the initiatives.

To me the most impressing in KIVA is the fact that they bring e real people to people feeling with their system. If I give donation to a charity organization my money will be disappear in a big black box and usually I do not have direct information on my contribution.

In the contrary on KIVA you can directly chose the enterpreneur to whom you borrow your money. Its a loan, not a donation which is much more motivating I guess and you have a great chance to get back your money.

The system is very well established I find their website really professional that provides full transparency to the entire process and made me feel secure to participate.

The other advantage of KIVA is that they operate with small amounts. The minimum 25 USD to lend is small enough to make a try, and after you got back your money you can consider to give a second loan with a higher amount maybe.

To me it was really a very good feeling when I gave a loan to a group of women in Uganada who are running a grocery store and I can't wait to make my second turn to help someone like this.



KIVA's enterpreneur's are real people from more then 50 countries who are living in needs and poverty and who are trying to manage their own enterprise. Thats why they need some money for a start, or for their supply or for an improvement. Micro-loans that are usually around 1000 USD and they will pay it back within 8-9 months.



Cumulative Volume of Loans Made Through Kiva as of 3/31/09.