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!
Aug 16, 2010, 9:33 am
#376
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
Posts: 1,214
I just posted my first post on the Kiva Fellows blog. You can read it here: Have you eaten rice? Saying hello in Cambodia
Also, put in another loan for the team today
Also, put in another loan for the team today
Aug 16, 2010, 11:33 am
#377
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
Number of Team Members 163
Number of Loans 1568
Number of Loans per Member 9.6
Total Amount Loaned $48,125
We're getting close gang!
We're actually within reach of being in the top 100 teams (ranked by total amount loaned). At this rate we might crack top 100 in a few more months. I know this isn't a contest, but it's nice to see that Team FlyerTalk came from nowhere to almost top 100 in a relatively short time.
Number of Loans 1568
Number of Loans per Member 9.6
Total Amount Loaned $48,125
We're getting close gang!
We're actually within reach of being in the top 100 teams (ranked by total amount loaned). At this rate we might crack top 100 in a few more months. I know this isn't a contest, but it's nice to see that Team FlyerTalk came from nowhere to almost top 100 in a relatively short time.
Aug 16, 2010, 12:35 pm
#378
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I'm in Athens at the moment, but just got a bit of Internet and a chance to stir the pot a little bit. It's exciting to see us close in on the $50k figure, and to see what giblet is up to in Cambodia! (Stay well, our friend in the field!)
Aug 16, 2010, 1:19 pm
#379
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
You talked me into it.
Just made a loan to a Maxima sponsored gentleman in Phnom Penh who wishes to buy a motorbike for his daughter so she can get to work in the garment factory.
BTW, your blog entry today was very interesting! I'll have to eat some rice for lunch.........
Aug 16, 2010, 1:51 pm
#380
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,927
(Do not waste your time trying to figure out why I put "as" and "since" in bold face. It was a message to Cholula and done to break break his chops a bit.)
Aug 16, 2010, 1:54 pm
#381
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
Aug 16, 2010, 2:05 pm
#382
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,927
Aug 16, 2010, 3:03 pm
#385
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,927
Aug 16, 2010, 3:21 pm
#386
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NJ
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 46,919
Click on the link at the top of the team section that says "loans" and you'll see all the loans currently active for the team. Only 1 of mine is showing on the first page, but I made 2 at the same time.
Aug 17, 2010, 2:03 am
#388
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,162
Our count just updated (as it does every night: only once a day) and after even Randy chipped in we stand at $48,425.00 , so only some 300$ yesterday. 
Aug 17, 2010, 10:25 am
#390
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
Choula and Dovster, does this mean you were unable to reach an agreement regarding the beast?
They're short-horned and therefor not water buffaloes.
They kind of look like a underfed team of oxen such as these zebu oxen from India.