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!
Sep 24, 2009, 4:57 pm
#107
Founder of FlyerTalk
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 6,540
I'm in with three loans today.
I look for group loans and especially try to hone in on efforts to fund education for the group members children. I'm all about the people of tomorrow in this world and education is my key.
And along the way-- I'm raising small animals in Peru and cattle in Indonesia.
I look for group loans and especially try to hone in on efforts to fund education for the group members children. I'm all about the people of tomorrow in this world and education is my key.
And along the way-- I'm raising small animals in Peru and cattle in Indonesia.
Sep 25, 2009, 7:46 am
#109
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
Mzuri sana! And now the Mzee (Randy Petersen) has joined us too (I like his philosophy!)
Karibuni kila mtu! (Welcome everybody, plural, in Kiswahili.)
Karibuni kila mtu! (Welcome everybody, plural, in Kiswahili.)
Last edited by JDiver; Sep 29, 2009 at 8:25 am Reason: add a bit
Sep 27, 2009, 5:02 pm
#110
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,847
A friend of mine mentioned to me yesterday how she was doing a program outside the US for Kiva...and I was thinking - why does that sound so familiar? Now I know why.
Sep 27, 2009, 10:40 pm
#111
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,968
I've done a couple loans to pig farmers, because I feel the need to support the people who bring more bacon into the world 
Sep 28, 2009, 2:45 pm
#112
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
Posts: 1,214
Sep 29, 2009, 8:23 am
#113
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
Problem is, some say meat and the attendant hormone sets the body up for conflict - maybe you will have to accept responsibility for helping create the next generation of "bacon bombers?" 
Wow, we are up to $11,000.00 this morning! And a veritable smörgåsbord of lenders and borrowers!
Wow, we are up to $11,000.00 this morning! And a veritable smörgåsbord of lenders and borrowers!
Sep 29, 2009, 8:24 am
#114
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
Sep 29, 2009, 1:49 pm
#115
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
Posts: 1,214
Sep 29, 2009, 3:04 pm
#116
Join Date: May 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,771
Joined today and made a small loan for a starter. I'll have to see how my own finances settle after this cross country move, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able make more loans in time.
I love Missy's rationale for picking a loanee.
I love Missy's rationale for picking a loanee.
Sep 29, 2009, 3:57 pm
#117
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
Goodonya! Owl look forward to seeing you here more.
I had some repayments, so made my 100th loan! Does that make me a mogul?
I had some repayments, so made my 100th loan! Does that make me a mogul?
Last edited by JDiver; Sep 29, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Sep 30, 2009, 5:24 am
#118
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: A number, but no status no more
Posts: 3,049
Oct 2, 2009, 5:13 pm
#120
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: DC; US Gold
Posts: 3,139
Okay, I'm trying this out. I joined and made my first micro-loan today. Small business loans hit close to home for me, as I started a business over a year ago. I use my credit cards to short term finance (till the credit card bill due dates) my huge up front costs, as I outlay money up front for expenses & then receive payment anywhere from a week to a month later. (Of course, I also like getting all the points & miles from all the credit card expenditures.)