Some time ago, I posted here about Kiva.org, the not-for-profit microlending organization that networks people willing to lend to small entrepreneurs in developing nations using available technology and international networking / collaboration, and how Kiva.org had become an approved FlyerTalk charity thanks to Talk Board's approval June 29, 2008 <link>
"Kiva is a grassroots project started by a team with a big idea: one-to-one, real-time lending to the poor via the Internet. Currently, we take no cut of the loan you make through our site -- 100% goes to the entrepreneur. We suggest a 10% donation, in addition to your loan, to help us cover our costs. Kiva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax-deductible for US taxpayers." (Suggested donations for administrative overhead, low though that is, are not required - you may loan 100% if you so choose.)
Since that time, a FlyerTalker Lending Team has formed on Kiva.org, and so far, there are ten of us with 55 loans worth $1,375.00 as of today, Feb 27, 2009.
Whilst this does not sound like much, I am sure there are other FlyerTalkers on Kiva who have not joined - if you are one of them, do so now to show FT's support and involvement. If you haven't loaned yet, check it out - you may want to join up. For the entrepreneurs who are requesting loans, it is significant - and it takes a lot of drops to fill the bucket. (And look below to see updates!)
Kiva allows us a great privilege, in my opinion. Many of us have travelled extensively, and have seen the poor and working poor: the weaver in Cambodia, the farmer in Perú, the mechanic in Egypt, the small duka owner in Kenya. We have wondered how we can help, how we can assure some of our travel money trickles down to help others less fortunate than we are.
At the same time, we are sometimes set upon by those who may not be so worthy - cons and grift artists are out there (and here in the developed world too, from the news headlines!) with great stories, but how are we to know if they are real? Or, we are asked to give to organizations that we do not have the resources to research to see if they are in fact doing a good job on the ground, or merely wasting our money in perpetual "gievaway" charity drives and high overhead expenses.
Now, we can see this sophisticated network link resources from those who can lend (no interest, sorry!) with those who are needy, worthy and screened by local NGOs and have a need to start / expand their small business to enhance their and their families' survival.
From the team captain, boulderlaw, in Boulder, to Stephen in Edinburgh, FlyerTalkers are lending, and fulfilling one of Randy Petersen's values, that of "paying it forward."
Read more about Kiva.org, who supports and enables it (Intel, Google, Paypal, Intuit and many others,) and see if you have twenty dollars (or more) you can lend someone deserving in a land you have visited and enjoyed (or not.)
Add your experiences here, or if you haven't joined... won't you consider joining the FlyerTalker Lending Team?
__________________ Lend a hand up with Kiva; far more than a hand out.
"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" (Isizulu)
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 15, 09 at 12:27 pm.
Reason: add / correct
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Also want to add another plug for Kiva.org; they have gift certificates! You can send electronically to the recipient who can select who to loan to, and yes, join a team.
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I've been thinking about doing this for a year or two and for no good reason (too busy?) never got around to it. Well, now's the time. Consider me in. Will join up this week.
FlyerTalkers Lending Team is up to 20 members, 71 loans and $2,225.00 loaned by FlyerTalkers!
Update 1:31 PM March 1, 2009:
Statistic Name FlyerTalkers
Number of Team Members 23
Number of Loans 80
Number of Loans per Member 3.48
Total Amount Loaned $2,450.00
Whether you donate to Kiva itself is up to you - but the microloans are fee-free and you do get it back (though I like this so much I have re-loaned every buck I have put into microlending - the banks should have such a good repayment rate!)
__________________ Lend a hand up with Kiva; far more than a hand out.
"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" (Isizulu)
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 15, 09 at 12:09 pm.
Reason: update!
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Awesome to work with fellow FTers in this great initiative! 
