Kiva.org - Loans that change lives

[Kadenz]

I was just listening to "Search Engine" on CBC Radio and heard about this incredible Non-Profit Organisation, Kiva.org.
Kiva.org lets you lend mini-loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries to help them to build up their small business, helping them get out of poverty!
You can lend as little as $25 and within a few months, you will be paid back, currently the chance you will get all your money back is 99.8%!! Why not give it a shot and help someone else out? I am, and you have almost nothing to lose!

 

[lpstong]

Nice idea and well implemented program for everyone around the world. I like the features that you can pick gender, region, sector and status. They even have a sector for education, nice.

 

[SpareDomains]

I watched a rerun of Oprah in december and found out about them and donated in december, back then only a month ago there was an average of 50-75 people to lend to each day, since then the publicity of oprah, bill clintons book and the following http://www.kiva.org/about/press among others they are having a hard time keeping people in need on the site as 15-20k new lenders have joined each of the last few weeks and they are limiting you to a $25 donation to each person in need so everyone gets a chance to lend, currently at the time of this post there is nobody to lend to but you can still donate to kiva to help with their operating costs, the loans I made in december just received their first payback installment a few days ago, when they pay your loan back you can either withdraw the funds or do what I will do and just keep loaning the cash once it's repaid, seems to be a good group of people behind them from watching the oprah show and from the few emails I sent back and forth, they also have banner ads and printable flyers if you wish to get more involved, gift certificates as well if you wanna get a friend involved in the giving spirit.

 

[bemarnet]

A really great System.

I like it and it is a pleasure for me to give Loans to entrepreneurs.

Please spread the words !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we it should be in in the NamePros Ribbon Program.

 

[dgridley]

Great idea! Rep added!

 

[dezinerite]

You guys might hate me for what I'm about to say but it's just my personal opinion:

I believe giving out to non-profit charity organizations helps more than giving out loans to entrepreneurs in 3rd world countries. I know TONS of entrepreneurs who can't pay their loans on time (and half the time, it's due to over expenditures because they didn't have to work hard for the loan - the loan was handed to them on a silver platter).

Many of us in here started with $0 and are profiting by working hard. Anyone living in a 3rd world country with their own business can't possibly be THAT poor, esp. some of those jobs listed on the site.

 

[Kadenz]

dezinerite, it depends what entrepreneurs you're thinking of. In a third world country, the population wants the country and economy to become better and they have more encouragement than simply profit, they work hard!
I have already got almost all my loan paid back and I think it was worth it. The lives are changed for the better, it's a hand up, not a hand out. (sorry for the cliché :p)
American/Western entrepreneurs are usually in it just for the profit, not for the good of the people and the economy. In a third world, they aren't making millions of dollars, just enough to feed their family.

The problem with NGOs is that money is spent on Advertising, etc. With Kiva, ALL the money loaned goes to the people/person who needs it, a separate donation can be made to the Kiva Organization for their operation costs.
Also, after the loan is paid back, you can use the money over and over again. With $25 dollars, you can, in essence, donate 1000s of dollars over time, which I think is a great thing to do, especially when you're a student.

 

[duceman]

I've loaned out and been paid back on 2 different loans through Kiva.org :tu:

 

[dezinerite]

In a third world country, the population wants the country and economy to become better and they have more encouragement than simply profit, they work hard!

American/Western entrepreneurs are usually in it just for the profit, not for the good of the people and the economy.

In a third world, they aren't making millions of dollars, just enough to feed their family.

Borghunter, I've lived in 3rd world countries all my life. :blink: My own mum used to be an entrepreneur - and of course it's for the profit (and NOT necessarily for the good of the people :o ). There's a difference between entrepreneurs and non-profit volunteers! :D Let's not patronize 3rd world entrepreneurs just because they're living in these 3rd world countries.

I'd rather give $250 to someone who don't have food to eat or someone who needs tuition, then loan $250 to someone who needed the money just so they can replace their worn-out rugs with Persian carpet.

 

[Kadenz]

Well, if you give $250 to an entrepreneur, they make their small business grow, pay back the $250 to you, which, in exchange can be used to loan to another entrepreneur or another charity.
With the growth of that one small business, it can create jobs and opportunity, which is usually the entire basis of a capitalist system.

 

[mulligan]

Out of curiosity .. how many entrepreneurs are there in a ton?

.....

You guys might hate me for what I'm about to say but it's just my personal opinion:

I believe giving out to non-profit charity organizations helps more than giving out loans to entrepreneurs in 3rd world countries. I know TONS of entrepreneurs who can't pay their loans on time (and half the time, it's due to over expenditures because they didn't have to work hard for the loan - the loan was handed to them on a silver platter).

Many of us in here started with $0 and are profiting by working hard. Anyone living in a 3rd world country with their own business can't possibly be THAT poor, esp. some of those jobs listed on the site.

 

[treebytheriver]

Thanks for posting! I'm going to participate.

 

[weblord]

thanks for the headsup.

 

[Kadenz]

Great to see more people helping out! You really have nothing to lose.

 

[dezinerite]

Out of curiosity .. how many entrepreneurs are there in a ton?

.....

Were you trying to sound smart? Try again.

I'm not a hater, I'm just telling you guys what I've seen with my own eyes that's all.

 

[slipondajimmy]

This is not meant to make me sound like I am in it for the money, But when/if you are paid back is it with with interest or is it just the dollar amount you gave?

 

[xraider]

Cool website!

And I think it's just the money you put into it, it's not a money making venture for yourself.

 

[Kadenz]

These are interest free loans, you won't make any money off these.

 

[deleted984054565403]

Been a fan of Kiva for a long time. Sure, you don't make money from it, but it's great to help out people from other countries make their dreams come true.

 

[Kadenz]

I've done $100 worth of Kivas, $25 my own, $75 were gifts to other people to give. They really work as great presents, it makes people feel good.