Dec 20, 2015, 4:45 am
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!
Jul 27, 2010, 11:37 am
#331
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: A number, but no status no more
Posts: 3,049
Hi,
For me, with my wife coming from Africa, I tend to lend solely to African countries. I will choose most loans, except for personal housing expenses or some business that I just don't see prospering.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
For me, with my wife coming from Africa, I tend to lend solely to African countries. I will choose most loans, except for personal housing expenses or some business that I just don't see prospering.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
Jul 27, 2010, 11:48 am
#332
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,928
I just looked at my portfolio and noticed that 90% of my loans are to women. I wonder if that indicates any prejudice on my part.
There are a number of Arab countries, especially Syria and Lebanon -- and including Palestine -- where I won't make loans.
In several cases I wanted to, but I refrained from it out of fear that someone in these countries will notice my loan, see I come from Israel, and subject the borrower to a violent reaction.
Perhaps I am being overly careful, but I would rather not take that chance.
Jul 27, 2010, 7:56 pm
#333
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Body in Downtown YYZ, heart and mind elsewhere
Programs: UA 50K, refugee from AC E50K, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 5,132
And interestingly, my loans are rather the opposite. According to my Kiva stats, over 20% of my loans are in Arabic nations. This wasn't really intentional - I guess it just sort of happened.
I suppose that's why it's good to have a team - people like Dovster & me balance each other out.
I suppose that's why it's good to have a team - people like Dovster & me balance each other out.
Jul 27, 2010, 8:02 pm
#334
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
Posts: 1,214
All of my loans are in the food sector (and preferably street food), but the locations are all over the world.
I'm heading off for my Kiva fellowship in Cambodia in the morning. Thank you so much to the 6 Flyertalkers who sponsored my fellowship.
The support I have gotten from the FT community has been wonderful, and I really appreciate it. This is an amazing opportunity and I am glad to do it on your behalf.
I'm heading off for my Kiva fellowship in Cambodia in the morning. Thank you so much to the 6 Flyertalkers who sponsored my fellowship.
The support I have gotten from the FT community has been wonderful, and I really appreciate it. This is an amazing opportunity and I am glad to do it on your behalf.
Jul 27, 2010, 8:23 pm
#335
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
Jul 28, 2010, 1:15 pm
#338
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: Aeroplan 50K, Marriott Plat, Amex Plat
Posts: 106
I am an infrequent visitor to Flyer Talk (mostly when I am looking for information from your helpful board members).
Like many of you I have travelled to a lot of countries where I wondered what I could do to help the locals.
Thank you for reminding me that there is a way that I can (more or less) directly support local small entrepeneurs get a leg up (as opposed to a hand out).
I have just registered and joined the Flyertalkers team, and am now sorting out how to deposit some money.
Thanks again for including this in the newsletter and reminding me that I can make a difference is someone's life.
Like many of you I have travelled to a lot of countries where I wondered what I could do to help the locals.
Thank you for reminding me that there is a way that I can (more or less) directly support local small entrepeneurs get a leg up (as opposed to a hand out).
I have just registered and joined the Flyertalkers team, and am now sorting out how to deposit some money.
Thanks again for including this in the newsletter and reminding me that I can make a difference is someone's life.
Jul 28, 2010, 1:15 pm
#339
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Nice
Programs: Marriott Titanium, AA Concierge Key, Delta, United, Emorates, and others
Posts: 4,694
I have planned to begin lending through Kiva for some time, but have not done it. Finally, today, the FT email reminded me and I read an old post from JDiver. whose posts i always read with interest. I joined and lent my first thousand dollars today.
Thanks for goading me into action!
Thanks for goading me into action!
Jul 28, 2010, 3:06 pm
#341
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Programs: aeroplan
Posts: 2
i'd never heard of kiva until this flyertalk letter. thanks for opening my eyes; i've now signed and started recirculating some shekels to good use in less-advantaged parts of the world.
BTW i'm faintly embarrassed by my moniker--somewhat pretentious. i must've been suffering from major jetlag when i signed up. is there any way to change the name?
BTW i'm faintly embarrassed by my moniker--somewhat pretentious. i must've been suffering from major jetlag when i signed up. is there any way to change the name?
Jul 28, 2010, 3:11 pm
#342
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
Yes.
Send a Private Message to Mikel at Webflyer, ask him to de-register your current handle and to e-mail you when it has been handled.
Then you can sign-up for a new handle. Your join date will be the day you do this and you'll lose your post count but you don't have a whole lot of those to lose.
Let me know if you have any questions and thanks for joining the FT Kiva Team!!