Did you know that I am a world financier? And at the bottom of this post I have the
opportunity to make an offer that will allow you to become one also.
Since January 2009 I have been making small business loans
worldwide thru an organization called “Kiva”.
This is an organization that works with other organizations to make
micro-loans. The minimum loan amount is $25. The recipients are expected to repay their
loans, and then the lender (me and the others who ‘invested’) are repaid.
For the entire
year of 2009 I made one $25 loan a month for an ‘investment’ of 12 loans totaling
$300. Since then, as the loans are
repaid and I am repaid, I have reinvested it back into new people. To date, that $300 has been turned into 39
loans valuing around $975. I have made
loans to people in 19 countries.
Personally, I
have decided to make loans just to widows (tho occasionally there are
exceptions). 95% of my loans are to
women. My reasoning is that as a
Christian I am called to take care of the widows and children, and this is one
way I can do that. I make loans that are
for a project that will make the recipient more independent and capable of
supporting themselves.
As with any loan, there is a chance that it will end in
default. But the wonderful thing about
Kiva loans are the people receiving them are truly GRATEFUL for this
opportunity that they probably never dreamed they would receive. And they try very, very hard to repay their
loans. According to the stats on my ‘portfolio’
page, the average default rate is 1.06%.
Seriously. The default rate on my
loans has been 0%. A few have had
periods where they were delinquent but all have fought their way back and paid
off their loan. I am so proud of them.
Right now I am financing 6 ladies (with 2 more soon to come
on as their loans are full funded). (Sorry the photos are grainy… they are low
resolution on my portfolio page).
Clara from Kenya
Earn Lot from Cambodia
Maria M from Eucador
Maria R from Eucador
Marilou from the Philippines
Rose from Kenya
Here’s what Kiva say about themselves…
Why we do what we do
We envision a world where all
people - even in the most remote areas of the globe - hold the power to create
opportunity for themselves and others.
We believe providing safe,
affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives
for themselves and their families.
How we do it
Making a loan on Kiva is so
simple that you may not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes.
Kiva works with microfinance
institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to
traditional banking systems. One hundred percent of your loan is sent to these
microfinance institutions, which we call Field Partners, who administer the
loans in the field.
Kiva relies on a worldwide
network of over 450 volunteers who work with our Field Partners, edit and
translate borrower stories, and ensure the smooth operation of countless other
Kiva programs.
How we're funded
100% of every dollar you lend on
Kiva goes directly towards funding loans; Kiva does not take a cut.
Furthermore, Kiva does not charge interest to our Field Partners, who administer
the loans.
Kiva is primarily funded through
the support of lenders making optional donations. We also raise funds through
grants, corporate sponsors, and foundations.
We are incredibly thankful for
the support that has enabled us to do the work that has touched the lives of so
many people.”
~~~~
Now here is your opportunity. A donor has given an amount to Kiva to be
used towards giving new people a chance to make one $25 loan ‘on them’. It would be a fantastic opportunity to teach
a child about world issues, finances, and compassion.
If you are interested, click on this link to check it out…
I get nothing from this except the joy and satisfaction of
knowing that more people are being helped.