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!
Dec 2, 2010, 1:53 am
#467
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,925
(I just hope they remember to light the candles each night.)
Dec 5, 2010, 12:14 pm
#469
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 just lent another $1097 and am up to 24 active loans. I'm happy we are up to 202 members also. I have another several to make for my spouses birthday which happens in a months time.
Dec 5, 2010, 12:35 pm
#471
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Nice
Programs: Marriott Titanium, AA Concierge Key, Delta, United, Emorates, and others
Posts: 4,694
Dec 6, 2010, 7:15 am
#472
Moderator, SkyTeam and Germany
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: FRA/STR/NUE
Programs: BA, LH, KL, EY, IHG, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Radisson
Posts: 5,946
Hi folks,
I've just joined the flyertalk lending team at Kiva.
The next one or two days I will look into all the info here and on kiva and then will actively start participating.
Any tips for newbies...?
I've just joined the flyertalk lending team at Kiva.
The next one or two days I will look into all the info here and on kiva and then will actively start participating.
Any tips for newbies...?
Dec 6, 2010, 4:54 pm
#473
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Programs: Military Space-A, UA Plat, AS MVP Gold 75K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,248
Dec 6, 2010, 4:56 pm
#474
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Programs: Military Space-A, UA Plat, AS MVP Gold 75K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,248
I like to start small, see how it goes, and then loan more to borrowers through the same field partner. I think (perhaps incorrectly) that a good field partner sometimes means you'll have better luck with repayment.
Dec 6, 2010, 6:14 pm
#476
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: mountains of western NC
Programs: Life, Love and Laughter
Posts: 8,537
Hi ralfkrippner,
Welcome to the team.
My advice is to have fun with this. Yes, it's serious business for the recipients, but there is no reason that we can't enjoy sharing $25 or so with them (and getting a few miles)
There are lots of ways to approach how to make loans. When I started I wanted to make a loan in every country KIVA is currently active in. With that goal met, I've shifted back to the agricultural sector (we all have to eat) and to making short term loans (less than one year and paying back monthly) as I like seeing my loans get paid back quickly.
Whatever criteria you choose, enjoy the process!
Welcome to the team.
My advice is to have fun with this. Yes, it's serious business for the recipients, but there is no reason that we can't enjoy sharing $25 or so with them (and getting a few miles
)There are lots of ways to approach how to make loans. When I started I wanted to make a loan in every country KIVA is currently active in. With that goal met, I've shifted back to the agricultural sector (we all have to eat) and to making short term loans (less than one year and paying back monthly) as I like seeing my loans get paid back quickly.
Whatever criteria you choose, enjoy the process!
Dec 6, 2010, 8:51 pm
#477
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
Posts: 1,214
I was just there as a Kiva Fellow and thought that they were doing a really good job--very dedicated staff, well organized paperwork and great relationships with their customers. I'm going to be sending out a Field Partner update to everyone that has lent via Maxima in the next few weeks, but I'll also link to it here in case anyone is interested.
Dec 7, 2010, 7:09 am
#478
Moderator, SkyTeam and Germany
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: FRA/STR/NUE
Programs: BA, LH, KL, EY, IHG, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Radisson
Posts: 5,946
Great! Thanks for all the tips!
I guess I start with an amount of 250$ or so and see how that works.
I'll keep you updated when my first loans are made.
I guess I start with an amount of 250$ or so and see how that works.
I'll keep you updated when my first loans are made.
Dec 7, 2010, 7:55 am
#479
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
ralfkrippner, welcome to the FT Team!!
And giblet, thanks as always for your Kiva updates from the field. With you we've always had a special bond to Kiva.
Kiva, IMO, does not even qualify as a charity IMO as 98%+ of what you give is returned to give yet again.
To me it's more of a hobby that does good for a lot of folks who would otherwise never have the opportunity to get a loan. And it's yet another great way to get to know a bunch of FlyerTalkers.
And giblet, thanks as always for your Kiva updates from the field. With you we've always had a special bond to Kiva.
Kiva, IMO, does not even qualify as a charity IMO as 98%+ of what you give is returned to give yet again.
To me it's more of a hobby that does good for a lot of folks who would otherwise never have the opportunity to get a loan. And it's yet another great way to get to know a bunch of FlyerTalkers.
Dec 9, 2010, 9:05 am
#480
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: New York, NY USA
Posts: 284
I also try to diversify my loans to different countries and field partners.
Just added a new country Israel to my portfolio and another loan for the FT team.
There are two new pilot partners that have started posting loans - one in Israel, one in Jordan. I see there's also a new pilot partner in South Africa but no loans posted yet.
Just added a new country Israel to my portfolio and another loan for the FT team.
There are two new pilot partners that have started posting loans - one in Israel, one in Jordan. I see there's also a new pilot partner in South Africa but no loans posted yet.