Last edit by: wilsnunn
The FlyerTalk Lending Team on Kiva:
improving lives a small loan at a time.
Kiva.org is 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 TalkBoard's approval June 29, 2008 <link> It is listed on the FlyerTalk Cares page.improving lives a small loan at a time.
"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 lend 100% if you so choose.)
As of 15 May 2016 it was 607 FlyerTalk lending team who have lent $2,209,175 in 37,092 loans! And now as of 30 June 2019 it is 941 members who have lent $6,415,775 in 71,722 loans!
Our motto is: "We loan because: We want to fight global poverty while earning miles."
This is tangible evidence Flyertalk Cares! There are likely other FlyerTalkers on Kiva who have not joined - if you are one of them, do so now to show your and FT's support and involvement. If you haven't lent yet, check it out - you may want to join up. For the low-income entrepreneurs on five continents who are requesting loans, microlending is significant - and it takes a lot of drops to fill the bucket. (Read on to see updates!)
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. And, using PayPal and your FFP/FFG linked card or account, you can earn miles or points with many loans!
FlyerTalkers are lending, and fulfilling one of FT's seminal 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 $25.00 (or more) you can lend someone deserving in a land you have visited and enjoyed (or not.)
This is how it works:

Add your experiences here, or if you haven't joined... won't you consider joining the FlyerTalker Lending Team?
You can see who the latest FT borrowers are (some still possibly needing loans) here
For ease, you can click here: Subscribe to FlyerTalker Lending Team on Kiva.org
FlyerTalker Lending Team on Kiva.org!
#181
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NJ
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 46,897
Are there any tools out there to help sort & sift through the available loans based upon my criteria?
I've been lucky since joining that most of my loans have started paying back and I've already rolled over those payments into new loans. To keep that money rolling, I'd like a to be able to select more easily those to whom I lend. I have 9 currently and those should pay off enough each month to fund 1 or 2 more.
Thanks.
I've been lucky since joining that most of my loans have started paying back and I've already rolled over those payments into new loans. To keep that money rolling, I'd like a to be able to select more easily those to whom I lend. I have 9 currently and those should pay off enough each month to fund 1 or 2 more.
Thanks.
#182
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: OKC (Oklahoma City), Oklahoma
Programs: Marriott Gold; IHG Platinum; Insomnia Cookies
Posts: 514
So, it's the end of the year, I was looking for charities, and kiva looks very appropriate. $25 later, and I am FlyerTalker member number 102.
#189
All,
Oliver made the 500USD investment a while back, but it seems like he didn't do it in the Flyertalk group for some reason.
Here's the profile link: http://www.kiva.org/lender/starmegado2009
Does anyone know how/if we can get in to the Flyertalk group?
Thanks
Oliver made the 500USD investment a while back, but it seems like he didn't do it in the Flyertalk group for some reason.
Here's the profile link: http://www.kiva.org/lender/starmegado2009
Does anyone know how/if we can get in to the Flyertalk group?
Thanks
#190
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: AA EXP "Life is good! Really good.""
Posts: 4,923
All,
Oliver made the 500USD investment a while back, but it seems like he didn't do it in the Flyertalk group for some reason.
Here's the profile link: http://www.kiva.org/lender/starmegado2009
Does anyone know how/if we can get in to the Flyertalk group?
Thanks
Oliver made the 500USD investment a while back, but it seems like he didn't do it in the Flyertalk group for some reason.
Here's the profile link: http://www.kiva.org/lender/starmegado2009
Does anyone know how/if we can get in to the Flyertalk group?
Thanks
To join FlyerTalk, click on Community Tab, search for FlyerTalk, click Join Group, log in, then do whatever it says.
#191
#192
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: EDI
Programs: BA Gold...Aah how nice! HHonors Gold, Hyatt Diamond,AA Yellow + Tesco
Posts: 1,916
Wow!
Victims of their own success! Due to an oversubscription in lenders there is currently only 1 team looking to be loaned funds! Unless they have a database problem or I have messed up the search filters!
Hope more loan requests come along soon as I have funds burning a hole in my account!
Victims of their own success! Due to an oversubscription in lenders there is currently only 1 team looking to be loaned funds! Unless they have a database problem or I have messed up the search filters!
Hope more loan requests come along soon as I have funds burning a hole in my account!

#193
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: EDI
Programs: BA Gold...Aah how nice! HHonors Gold, Hyatt Diamond,AA Yellow + Tesco
Posts: 1,916
#194
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,784
Wow!
Victims of their own success! Due to an oversubscription in lenders there is currently only 1 team looking to be loaned funds! Unless they have a database problem or I have messed up the search filters!
Hope more loan requests come along soon as I have funds burning a hole in my account!
Victims of their own success! Due to an oversubscription in lenders there is currently only 1 team looking to be loaned funds! Unless they have a database problem or I have messed up the search filters!
Hope more loan requests come along soon as I have funds burning a hole in my account!

#195
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CLT
Posts: 7,249
Is the lack of loans some how related to Haiti? I've actually stopped putting new money into Kiva and just reloaning my old money because I donated to Haiti relief.
I find it odd that Kiva would be out of loans at a time when I would think many would be donating to other organizations.
I find it odd that Kiva would be out of loans at a time when I would think many would be donating to other organizations.