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!
Feb 27, 2009, 11:34 am
#1
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
FlyerTalker Lending Team on Kiva.org!
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> It is listed on the FlyerTalk Cares page.
This is tangible evidence Flyertalk Cares!
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, and we can not only get it back but lend it again!
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. 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."
This is tangible evidence Flyertalk Cares!
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, and we can not only get it back but lend it again!
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. 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."
Last edited by JDiver; Dec 20, 2015 at 4:48 am Reason: add / update
Feb 27, 2009, 6:54 pm
#2
formerly known as Frugal Travel Guy
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Greenville, SC
Programs: UA Gold, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 1,925
I'm in for the Flyertalk Team
We were members of Kiva.org before finding this thread. I just added to my lending total and glad to be part of the Flyertalk team and effort.
Ingy
Ingy
Feb 27, 2009, 8:25 pm
#3
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
Great! Glad you are onboard (both.) Now we are twelve at the end of the day.
(12 FlyerTalkers, 57 loans! ^)
(12 FlyerTalkers, 57 loans! ^)
Feb 27, 2009, 11:07 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,403
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.
Feb 28, 2009, 5:53 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,706
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.^
Feb 28, 2009, 9:01 am
#8
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
Wow - overnight, new stats:
14 members, 62 loans, $1,550 out in microloans!
fireworks boy and braefoot, welcome to the team! ^
14 members, 62 loans, $1,550 out in microloans!
fireworks boy and braefoot, welcome to the team! ^
Last edited by JDiver; Feb 28, 2009 at 9:10 am
Feb 28, 2009, 10:23 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PMD-ORD-AZO-ILO-NRT
Programs: UA 1K, BD Silver, Amtrak Select, SPG & PCR Plat/ICH Amb, AA, AS, DL, PR
Posts: 744
Wow, I wasn't even aware Kiva had this kind of set-up! And I call myself a supporter?! 
Awesome to work with fellow FTers in this great initiative! ^
Awesome to work with fellow FTers in this great initiative! ^
Mar 1, 2009, 8:18 am
#13
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 aboard the microlending express! 
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!)
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!)
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 15, 2009 at 11:09 am Reason: update!
Mar 1, 2009, 11:32 am
#14
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: AA EXP "Life is good! Really good.""
Posts: 4,923
I've been meaning to do some microloans for years and just never got around to it.
Thanks jdiver! for making it so easy.
Have made a small loan to a woman running an internet cafe/grocery store. She wants to do maintenance on the computers, and I'm all for that!
Thanks jdiver! for making it so easy.
Have made a small loan to a woman running an internet cafe/grocery store. She wants to do maintenance on the computers, and I'm all for that!