What KIVA Does

They let you loan to the working poor

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. By choosing a loan on Kiva, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the entrepreneur you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

They partner with organizations all over the world

Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions. In doing so, we gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities world-wide. Our partners are experts in choosing qualified entrepreneurs. That said, they are usually short on funds. Through Kiva, our partners upload their entrepreneur profiles directly to the site so you can lend to them.

They show you where your money goes

Kiva provides a data-rich, transparent lending platform for the poor. We are constantly working to make the system more transparent to show how money flows throughout the entire cycle. The below diagram shows briefly how money gets from you to a third-world entrepreneur, and back!

How Kiva Works...

Step 1: You choose an entrepreneur

You view profiles of small business owners and choose a person to loan your money to.

Step 2: Make a loan

You can loan as little as $25. Using PayPal or credit cards.

Step 3: Receive journals and payments

You will recieve updates on the business you helped fund. AND, when the person is able, they pay you back.

Step 4: Withdraw or re-loan

Then you can accept the repayment OR reloan your money to a new business.

I joined Kiva a few months ago. I loaned $25. to two women entreprenuers. One has already repaid me. I have reloaned that money. This past Christmas, I gave Kiva Gift Certificates to all the kids on my list. I would encourage you to consider giving KIVA.org as a gift. You will change a life of someone you DON'T know and probably the life of someone you do know.

YOU can change a life. Right Here. Right Now.