How to give 5 Kiva Microloans by 12-31-2009 by ugogrl

"When charity isn't enough there's micro-lending."

How I did it: I firmly believe in the Chinese quote, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Luckily so do the people at Kiva.org, a micro-lending website which empowers "...individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe."

I choose Kiva after researching it's website.  This is NOT a donation it's a lending program. The entrepreneur(s) are given a repayment plan & an end date. There is a chance that a loan can default, I haven't experienced this.

This isn't a charitable contribution & you will NOT receive tax-write offs through this method. I have read there are ways to make a profit off of this type of lending. Kiva does not offer returns on your loan.  I was never concerned with using this as an investment vehicle.

I always wanted to join the peace corps, perhaps in the future but for now this is the best way I feel I can make an effective difference in "alleviating poverty".

Lessons & tips: I'm not a spokesperson for Kiva and there are other websites offering similar connections. 

http://www.microplace.com

http://www.accion.org/Page.aspx?pid=191

Resources: Check out kiva for more info:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=home

If you wanted to join Kiva. 43Things already has a team. I would encourage you to join the team. Currently we are 99 strong & have lent over $23,000 as a team.

Plenty of web articles:
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/startups/news/2007/05/microlending_tips


3 people found this helpful
 

Oct 17, 2009, 05:10PM PDT | 6 comments | 22 cheers


Comments:

tikini wishing you aloha ~ passing through, with aloha ~

hurray for you!

cheers!

Oct 17, 2009, 10:55PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

ugogrl being denied cheers by the C-fairy

thanks

Mahinui!

Oct 19, 2009, 05:16PM PDT | Respond to this

idkbrblol is worrying about this Olympic's "XXX" (third, historically) attack

a similar organiz.

There’s a similar organization out there… You can buy, like, a chicken, or a goat, or a cow, etc. for a family.

Dec 03, 2010, 03:39AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

TG

I believe

that you’re thinking of Heifer International.

Dec 03, 2010, 12:35PM PST | Respond to this

Trauma_Junkie thinks she may have had a touch too much caffiene...

Whoo Hooo

Having spent quite a bit of time in Africa “helping the poor” I think KIVA is actually much better prepared to help alleviate poverty than the Peace Corps (I know I know, thats like sacreligious!) and I think what you are doing is a great example.

Apr 09, 2011, 12:56PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

ugogrl being denied cheers by the C-fairy

TJ

It is so awesome and fascinating that you spent time in Africa helping the poor. Out of curiousity, were you a member of the Peace Corps?

I agree with you, however sacrilegious, it may be, Kiva is much better prepared. I’m glad there is such an option.

Apr 10, 2011, 08:55PM PDT | Respond to this


ugogrl has gotten 22 cheers on this entry.

 

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