Based on authentic user experiences
Based on authentic user experiences
ANDREW
N/A
Kiva enables you to help people earn a living
With Kiva you can lend money -- and get it back -- in a way that directly benefits people around the world You can choose your beneficiary knowing what that person is trying to do to make a living The online process is simple and one is always informed of the status of the loan and of one s own account
Kiva is a pioneering non-profit organization that operates an innovative online lending platform, connecting individuals around the world with entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Founded in 2005, Kiva's mission is to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive. By facilitating small, crowdfunded loans, Kiva empowers people to create opportunity for themselves and their families, fostering economic development and alleviating poverty on a global scale.
The Kiva model is built on a simple yet powerful concept: crowdfunded microloans. Visitors to the website can browse profiles of borrowers from over 90 countries. These profiles detail the individual's story, their business plan, the loan amount needed, and how the funds will be used. Lenders can contribute as little as $25 toward a loan of their choice. Once the loan request is fully funded by a group of individual lenders, the funds are disbursed to Kiva's local Field Partners—microfinance institutions and other organizations on the ground—who then deliver the capital to the borrower.
As borrowers repay their loans, lenders receive their money back. This revolving fund model allows individuals to relend their funds to another entrepreneur, donate the amount to Kiva, or withdraw it. This cycle creates a sustainable and impactful form of philanthropy that emphasizes dignity and partnership over traditional charity.
Kiva's website showcases a wide array of loan categories, allowing lenders to support causes they are passionate about. Key categories include:
The platform provides transparent reporting on its impact, with statistics on total loans funded, repayment rates, and the number of countries served. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates the tangible results of the collective lending community.
Recognizing that financial exclusion exists everywhere, Kiva also operates a dedicated program for entrepreneurs within the United States. Kiva U.S. offers 0% interest loans with no credit check to small business owners who may not qualify for traditional financing. This program supports a diverse range of American entrepreneurs, furthering Kiva's mission of financial inclusion domestically.
The website makes participation straightforward. Users can create a free account, browse borrower profiles filtered by region, sector, or specific traits, and start lending immediately. Kiva also offers gift cards and lending teams, enabling friends, families, or corporations to lend together. The organization is funded primarily through optional donations from lenders and grants, ensuring that 100% of every loan goes directly to funding the entrepreneurs.
In summary, Kiva.org is more than a lending website; it is a global community leveraging technology to democratize philanthropy and finance. By providing a direct, transparent, and personal connection between lenders and borrowers, Kiva enables anyone with an internet connection to become a powerful force for economic good, one small loan at a time.
Holly J Kellar
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kiva
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kiva Easy way to make an impact joining with others who are trying to make the world a better place I also appreciate being able to choose a specific person project that aligns with my interests
Devon Brooks
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Kiva - easy to use allowing people to change their lives
Kiva is easy to use I love that you can find if you want to people to lend to in an industry if you want to support farmers for instance or by gender or by country and by need loan applications have a set amount of time so you can see who is running out of time More than anything I love the Kiva ideal of helping people to help themselves
Rebecca and William
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Kiva is a Number One Organization
Kiva is - and has been for many years- an outstanding and trustworthy charity People can help others easily throughout the world Kiva and its partners provide a lot of feedback about the people one chooses to support and there is never any pressure to give
David Priddy
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A great alternative to charity donation
I ve been using Kiva since 2007 and I love the fact that all the money I have put in over the years is still available to fund new loans as the previously funded loans are repaid On average each donation I ve made has now funded 4 loans meaning my 25 has been worth 100 and will continue to be reused And it has gone to the people who need it not a charity CEO earning more than I ever will
Wally Rowley
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Happy to be Kiva org Involved
Spouse I have been Kiva LENDERS for many years We are able to focus our support to recipient genders nationalities businesses etc of our choice Our supportees have been almost totally successful in paying back our LOANS allowing reissuing of monies to help other entrepreneurs with minimal cost to ourselves Highly recommended as we are seniors on fixed incomes who wish to provide assistance as financially possible Try it-------we like it
Stephan Bradley
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It is easy to give
It is easy to give You can choose a borrower by location gender reason for loan act Terms of repayment time it will take to repay are given and there is an easily accessible tab to see your how much will be repaid monthly There are also lending teams with team stats on another tab Many more user friendly tabs are there as well I m very happy to be a lender and I add a small amount to my account on a monthly basis with auto deposit
Chris S
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Kiva makes it easy to make a big impact
I love funding loans on Kiva for a lot of reasons I can choose specific countries or types of loans to fund so that if there s something I feel passionate about I can look for loans that fit When my money is repaid I can easily reinvest it in other loans allowing me to do more good for less It s simple to do and easy to see the impact that you have on small businesses around the world Also I have gifted Kiva money to friends that they then use to invest and re-invest in the things they re passionate about
Susan Abrams
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Meaningful Experience
Trustworthy organization Easy to navigate website Having the borrower s story makes it a more meaningful and personal donation Fun to cheer them on when payments notices are received A Kiva donation makes an excellent gift for friends and family where they can choose how the money is allocated
Regina O
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I have made 100 loans
I have made 100 loans now and given a few gift cards to others to help them begin their journey I love this Micro-loans funded by individuals are a great way to support people and be of use Kiva deserve great thanks for facilitating this work
