“Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can “sponsor a business” and help the world’s working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you’ve sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.”
I’m not one to usually seek into these money gathering foundations but I have a few friends who can’t stop talking about how successful, exciting, professional, and rewarding Kiva is. Having the friends approval, a great NewYorkTimes video review, many other press reviews, and over 70,000 people loaning over 7 million dollars so far, I think I’m sparked to make some needed loans.(as little as $25) The money may not be an investment for more money, but the reward is more than money could buy.
Learn more about Kiva.org, browse through their business listings, check out their blog, and join the club.
I want to say thanks for sharing such an great organization. I am one of those people who enjoys the direct connection of knowing where my money helps those in need. I also belong to Women for Women.org and sponsor women in some of these very same countries learn skills to better their lives. Its an amazing feeling to get letters and notes and know that so little can make such a difference.
Kiva is another great one of those ways to connect directly with those you help. Thanks for sharing it, I will become an investor here as well. A great opportuinty to make a big difference in a small way…..
Michelle
michelle,
thanks for the link and note! Kiva rocks! will keep my kiva experience up to date here.