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!
Jun 11, 2011, 2:57 pm
#632
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
Welcome, elkhornne!
OK, I took a little time to do some lending - up to 295 loans now, and I love the "My Portfolio" option that allows me to see sectors supported, countries loans in, industries and gender.
Number of Team Members 227
Number of Loans 3,820
Number of Loans per Member 16.8
Total Amount Loaned $118,000
A bit more activity this summer, we'll be up to $120,000 collectively. Add StarMegaDo dollars, and we are probably there collectively. Yay, FlyerTalkers!
OK, I took a little time to do some lending - up to 295 loans now, and I love the "My Portfolio" option that allows me to see sectors supported, countries loans in, industries and gender.
Number of Team Members 227
Number of Loans 3,820
Number of Loans per Member 16.8
Total Amount Loaned $118,000
A bit more activity this summer, we'll be up to $120,000 collectively. Add StarMegaDo dollars, and we are probably there collectively. Yay, FlyerTalkers!
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 12, 2011 at 11:19 am Reason: add updated numbers
Jun 13, 2011, 5:37 pm
#633
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,420
Ahh - I see he snagged himself another one! 
(I have JDiver to thank also for getting me hooked back in December.) Welcome to the team, elkhornne! 
Continuously inspired by the generosity and ability of FTers to offer a hand up! I check on the team page every once in a while, and keep seeing FTers making new loans every day, so that only pushes me more. (Just checked my account, and I believe I've made 30 loans over the last 30 days. Looking forward to getting some repayments come in on the 15th so that more loans can be made! ^)
(I have JDiver to thank also for getting me hooked back in December.) Welcome to the team, elkhornne! Continuously inspired by the generosity and ability of FTers to offer a hand up! I check on the team page every once in a while, and keep seeing FTers making new loans every day, so that only pushes me more. (Just checked my account, and I believe I've made 30 loans over the last 30 days. Looking forward to getting some repayments come in on the 15th so that more loans can be made! ^)
Jun 13, 2011, 6:17 pm
#634
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: EDI
Programs: BA Silver / Bonyoy Platinum
Posts: 1,921
I have just sold my house as moving to London but I loved the property and appreciate how important it is to have somewhere to call home.
That inspired me to go add a couple more Kiva loans to people wanting materials to build or improve their own property.
I am up to 13 loans. Not a patch on some other lenders on here but every little helps! ^
That inspired me to go add a couple more Kiva loans to people wanting materials to build or improve their own property.
I am up to 13 loans. Not a patch on some other lenders on here but every little helps! ^
Jun 15, 2011, 11:23 am
#636
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,223
Just reloaned 100$ from the SMD 1 & 2 fund that came back this week.
http://www.kiva.org/lender/starmegado2009
http://www.kiva.org/lender/starmegado2009
Jun 18, 2011, 11:18 pm
#637
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,420
)We're already up to $119,625 - almost there! ^
Jun 21, 2011, 5:56 pm
#642
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 102
Need to churn 23k by the end of December for BA companion cert. Been using Amazon Payments/US Mint, but don't want to come up short. Don't have a 0% offer on that card though... can I get the money back in a month or two, maybe 4-6 months max? Have some funds floating on a rewards checking account that I can use for CC payoff in meantime... How viable is this?
Last edited by vacaloca; Jun 21, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Jun 24, 2011, 7:34 pm
#643
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
The loans have variable terms, and I have to say I don't pay any attention as to how long it takes to repay the loan. Though most of our loans are $25, as they are paid off incrementally, money returns incrementally as well.
There may be some surer ways of achieving your goal than Kiva; even though there is minimal risk, there is some risk, and the repayment dates may not coincide with your need to get the money back.
When you are ready to lend, even if it's just $25 for a loan, do join us - and good luck with your certificate goals.
There may be some surer ways of achieving your goal than Kiva; even though there is minimal risk, there is some risk, and the repayment dates may not coincide with your need to get the money back.
When you are ready to lend, even if it's just $25 for a loan, do join us - and good luck with your certificate goals.
Need to churn 23k by the end of December for BA companion cert. Been using Amazon Payments/US Mint, but don't want to come up short. Don't have a 0% offer on that card though... can I get the money back in a month or two, maybe 4-6 months max? Have some funds floating on a rewards checking account that I can use for CC payoff in meantime... How viable is this?
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 24, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Jun 24, 2011, 7:54 pm
#644
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
It's very heartening to see our Community Director participating actively, and I appreciate giblet's and jbcarioca's thoughtful posts.
In the meantime, as I was re-lending, I noticed the FlyerTalk Lending Team is up over the $120,000 hump! Should be
$120,775 lent by 230 FTers in 3,915 for an average of 17 loans per FTer.
Outstanding!
N.B. You can visit and see out team's loans here.
In the meantime, as I was re-lending, I noticed the FlyerTalk Lending Team is up over the $120,000 hump! Should be
$120,775 lent by 230 FTers in 3,915 for an average of 17 loans per FTer.
Outstanding!
N.B. You can visit and see out team's loans here.
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 24, 2011 at 8:04 pm Reason: add URL to see FT's borrowers / microentrepreneurs
Jun 26, 2011, 6:22 pm
#645
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: back to my roots in Scotland!
Programs: Tamsin - what else is there to say?
Posts: 47,843
It should be noted, we have removed a couple of posts which have not realised that this thread is for the discussion about the Flyertalk Lending Team on Kiva.
Jenbel
Co-moderator, Communitybuzz!
Jenbel
Co-moderator, Communitybuzz!
Last edited by Jenbel; Jun 26, 2011 at 6:31 pm