@Kiva – Empowering people around the world with a $25 loan

If you have access to the Internet and have a desire to change the world for the better, Kiva will help make it happen, one person at a time. This non-profit’s mission is to connect people through microfinance lending to alleviate poverty.

Jessica and Matt Flannery founded Kiva in 2005 when they became convinced they could use the Internet to match people in need with people who are willing to help financially. Leveraging the Internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity and change around the world. Loans are funneled from Kiva to microfinance organization near borrowers/entrepreneurs around the world. These small loans can help finance the dream of a family living in poverty to start or fund a business of their own. It is a powerful opportunity — rather than temporarily alleviating need, individuals and families who receive Kiva funds are able to start and maintain businesses that will help end the cycle of poverty in their family and even their community.

Check out this video from CNBC

Why does Kiva do what they do?  Kiva envisions a world where all people, including the people from the most remote areas of the globe, hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others. Kiva believes that providing safe, affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives for themselves and their families. This might sound highly ambitious, however, when you look at the website, the plan and mission of Kiva is well explained and the website is user-friendly.  How does Kiva work?  Take a look at this short clip and follow the story of a Kiva loan through Pedro, a farmer who gets a loan through Kiva.org and transforms his business.

How can you get involved?  How can you help a person thousands of miles away?  Go to Kiva.org/lend to search borrowers, see what they’re working on and start giving! Tell your friends about Kiva on Facebook and Twitter to help build the awareness about Kiva and help bridge the gap between those individuals in need with those who are willing to help.  Donate just $25 and choose which borrower your money will go to. Once loans are fully funded and entrepreneurs are able to pay back the loan, you’ll get your money back. Remember, it’s a loan! A donation that doesn’t cost you anything. Keep lending! That same $25 could be used to change dozens or even hundreds of lives around the world!

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