Kiva

Kiva provides an opportunity to support people who are trying to improve their life and the lives of people who reside in or around their community, For example, a person receiving support from Kiva is, most likely, operating a farm or business which provides income for he/she and his/her family and offering goods/services that are integral to daily life in their community. In addition to the goods/services provided by the farm or business, the Kiva-supported venture is also(in many cases) offering employment to others while serving as a "that could be me" example for their friends, neighbors and others. .

At one time, I had 150.00 dollars that I could spare. I’ve donated to Kiva ever since. With what gets paid back to me. It’s a win win. There is so much need and so many enthusiastic entrepreneurs. One donation just keeps growing.

I made my first Kiva loan in 2007. Since then i have have invested less than $500 with Kiva, but by recycling loans as they are repaid, I have supported 112 loans in 35 countries. I have now reached the exalted state where I receive enough in repayments each month to fund another borrower. As a retired senior, I can feel like Bill Gates on a beer budget. Each of my loans is an investment in someone's future and my portfolio is my gift to humanity.

I am both a lender and a volunteer editor of loan profiles. I really like the Kiva "business model." They do not ask for donations, they ask for loans that are gradually repaid. Kiva reaches thousands of hardworking people in all corners of the globe who would otherwise never have access to traditional banking systems, so they fill a true void.

With Kiva, you can browse through the loan requests and, with as little as $25, choose an individual or a cause you really believe in, whether it's a college education or a sanitary toilet. I enjoy seeing the photo of the borrower and knowing exactly how my loan will be used.

I was given $25 credit from a relative to loan on Kiva to anyone I wanted to choose. After exploring numerous requests for funds, I found several inspiring individuals I wanted to support. I lent the $25 and added a little more. Witnessing the gratitude and impact of these loans has been incredibly rewarding. I value the opportunity to make small loans of $25, as it minimizes my risk in case someone defaults. The app offers detailed insights; I’ve made 460 loans to people across 59 countries. For those looking to make a targeted impact with their lending, this is a wonderful way to do it.

It’s a good thing to be able to know exactly where your donation goes. It’s a wonderful thing that so many small donations can help change a person’s life.

I really like the feeling of helping another human, a real individual person with interests and ambitions

I have been making loans for almost 10 years. There is NOTHING like knowing you have helped someone start a business, feed their family etc with such a small amount of money. Knowing that you’ve made a difference in someone’s live is a great feeling.

I’ve been lending a small amount with kiva for the last 20 years. It makes me feel that this tiny little action has had an impact. It’s a powerful idea made simple by hard work of the staff and a great vision and commitment. Well done!

I have made almost 3,000 loans (including re-loans), a fact I am proud of. In my experience, Kiva does an outstanding and admirable job in finding and presenting a broad range of people striving to improve their personal / family economic situation. They make the process easy, from gaining an understanding of those seeking to borrow (background, aspirations, efforts, goals) and make it easy to execute once you make a decision.

My only regret is that I can’t help more!

I have been making microloans via Kiva for several years, recycling the money as it's repaid into new loans. I love that a small loan can make a huge difference in someone's life; this has to be one of the most effective ways possible to help people help themselves. The occasional thank you note from a recipient is just an unexpected bonus. Only one receipient has defaulted, and the aid agency working with Kiva admitted that might have been an administrative error on their part. I highly recommend Kiva as part of your giving strategy.

I’ve been lending with Kiva for 10 years or so now, and volunteering on the Review and Translation Program for around half that time.

I’ve found it to be a very rewarding experience on both those sides of things, and would heartily recommend engaging with with Kiva to others.

I've been donating through the Kiva.org website since 2009, so 16 years so far. Back then I hardly had any money, so the small dollar amount donation option helped, plus reading stories of the prospective borrowers helped me to realize I had more to be grateful for than I thought, like clean water and a working indoor toilet.

I've always liked knowing exactly how my donation will be used, and Kiva takes that to levels that I have not seen anywhere else. You see the photo and read the brief story of the actual exact person that would receive the microloan. I really enjoy that selection process, picking who I will give to next. You can even see profile names & countries of the donors around the world that have already given to this particular loan. During lonelier times in my life, I have found that very heartening to see clear evidence of other kindhearted thoughtful people in the world.

Apparently I have made 293 microloans throughout the years with Kiva, but it hasn't felt like it. It has felt easy. These are loans not gifts, so most of the time most or all of the loan is repaid so I can use that money over and over again to help more people.

Since I have a limited budget, I like Kiva’s diverse opportunities to impact women’s lives worldwide. I’ve helped an Afghan woman get an education, provided seeds and information to encourage successful farming, and made it possible for a Guatemalan single mom to increase the variety of products she sells at her small general store.

I have been a Kiva lender for 15 years and this is a great nonprofit! It suits my giving philosophy ie smart giving that empowers borrowers to improve their lives by operating their micro and small businesses with the help of micro loans vs just giving dole outs. It is inclusive and more meaningful to us lenders who collectively contribute and become part of their success.
I became aware and learned about other cultures, It provides a window into the lives and challenges of people in different parts of the world, increasing my awareness and understanding of global issues.
The annual report of each lender’s impact can inspire us to do more, lend more.
Kiva’s platform is excellent and easy to navigate. It a great way for super busy people to give.

Sono contento di aver conosciuto Kiva (ormai da quasi 20 anni) e partecipare ai progetti di persone che cercano di migliorare la propria vita, anche se con le mie poche risorse, mi fa sentire utile e solidale. L'organizzazione è perfetta e lo sono anche le associazioni che selezionano i progetti, tant'è che in 20 anni di prestiti raramente ho avuto delle mancate restituzioni, segno che il microcredito funziona e l'impatto di Kiva rende il mondo migliore

15 Years Strong! I started with Kiva in 2010. I made my first loan of $25 and have relaoned it 97 times for a total of $2,425 in loans. I believe I have put in another $125 over the years to make more loans. In all that time I have only had one loan default and lost $9. It's been amazing! I have been able to help people all over the world with less than I spend on one meal out. I trust the Kiva organization to make this all work and have recommended Kiva to family and friends. I have given gift cards to nieces and nephews to start their own journey on KIVA. If you want to participate in a well run, organized and communicative charity involved in micro funding, KIVA is the place!

I joined KIVA in 2007 literally WHILE VIEWING a PBS special on its founding. Micro-finance is the foundation. But what an absolutely brilliant idea, using the internet to connect micro-loan borrowers with micro-loan lenders. It's like modern day crowdfunding. KIVA does the hard work of vetting borrowers. The website is robust and very intuitive so finding new borrowers each month when I lend my repayments is easy and something I look forward forward to. The icing on the cake is that KIVA is completely transparent and responsive.

I've been a Kiva donor and lender for years and I'm very happy with the experience! I think microfinance is a great way to make a big impact with a small donation and joining together with others. I like that I can search for borrowers in a certain geographic region and also women-owned businesses. Giving Kiva credit to my niece and nephew has also been a great way to get them involved in philanthropy at a young age -- they can search for a project that aligns with their interests. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Kiva is so brilliant - you can keep re-lending your money over and over, and you actually get to see the person you are lending it to. They nearly always pay it back, so the money goes round and round lots of times. Kiva seem to be doing a great job of vetting who gets lent money. I've been doing it for a few years now and I'm 100% delighted with it.

I have been a donor for quite a while now and, even if I realize that my contribution is small, It seems as very good way to help real people in an unjust world.

I have been lending with Kiva for 16 years. It is great to be able to help over and over with the same money. This allows me to add more funds to it than I would if I would not receive them back. It is great to see the borrower stories and chose directly which person or situation I want to support. Refugees starting a second-hand clothing store, parents investing in their kids education, villages building clean toilets - whatever donors want to impact the most they can find on Kiva. My favorite loan was for solar panels so a birthing center could have light at night and avoid snakes. Giving birth is hard enough, imagine doing it in the dark, worrying about snakes!

My husband and I have been donating small amounts on a regular basis to Kiva for almost 15 years. We are not wealthy but live off of social security. Kiva makes it so easy to get started with $25 and make a HUGE difference in people’s lives.

We have donated approximately $1300 dollars over the years but have lent out over $7100.00! Almost every single loan we have made has been repaid. I think over the years we may have not gotten paid on 3 loans. We donate 99% to Women in third world countries that have very little opportunities available to them.

It’s such a simple yet effective program. We just love this company.

I just love Kiva. I have been a lender for over 12 years, I was also a volunteer in the RTP team, reviewing and editing the loans, both in English and a translator from Spanish. Kiva is amazing, it takes very seriously every step. As a volunteer I could see how serious they take the training of a volunteer, how Kiva enforces the procedures and try to make the best of every one. It is a great NGO and I am very happy to be a lender.

I’ve been participating with Kiva for more than 10 years. I strongly believe that supporting small businesses is the best way to enable people to lift themselves out of poverty.
It makes my day when I get a message that a loan has been repaid and money is now available to loan to the next person. I love being able to select women entrepreneurs in the types of businesses I believe have the most potential to be successful and change lives. Kiva’s app is easy to use - it’s amazing that I can help change a life across the world with a few clicks on my phone between meetings. Thank you, Kiva for the opportunity to help others this way.

I’ve been supporting kiva for many years and love the fact that you can keep reinvesting the repaid loans to help more people. It’s a great way to make a big difference to people’s lives with a very small outlay.

I started on Kiva with a gift card 10 years ago. I have added to it and love to see that money re lending time after time

I have supported kiva for many years. I like that small amounts from many people can make a big difference in someone’s life.

I have been lending money through Kiva for more than 10 years. I especially appreciate being able to lend to people from El Salvador, single women, and people who need medical treatment for their eyes. You will easily be able to find a cause that is of meaning to you. There is no fee to make a loan through PayPal and my loan immediately shows up in my porfolio so I know that it went through.

I like Kiva because the borrowers don't have to sign away their home or risk their families being threatened should they have difficulty paying back the money. That being said, I have made over 600 loans and it is very rare that a loan is not paid back.

I have been lending with Kiva for at least fifteen years and can say it's a top notch organization. Choosing the person or group I want to lend to enhances the experience for me. There are so many options with Kiva; you can set filters, join teams, donate payments made by borrowers, etc. It’s easy to join Kiva and start making a difference. I recommend it!

i love lending with Kiva and have been doing so for a very long time. i love being able to choose who i want to lend to and then hearing back that i have money returned that i can donate again!

I started out with Kiva several years ago when I was working full time. There was a group of about 20 of my coworkers who were part of a charitable team. We chose Kiva to support and kept lending the money over and over and also adding to it. Now that I have retired, I started my own Kiva membership. I focus on helping single mothers around the world who have their own sewing business. That was me many years ago. I was explaining to my 19 year old granddaughter how Kiva works. She decided to join as well. I am so proud of the joy that she feels in helping others.

My wife and I joined KIVA over 17 years ago with a single loan to a single mother trying to build her small trade into a life-sustaining business. Recycling repayments into new opportunities we have reached out to 94 countries with 4300 loans valued at $95,000. KIVA lets us make a difference and can do the same for you.

I love the idea of Kiva - facilitating a much more direct donation-to-recipient connection. The profiles provide visibility to what the goal of the loan is and where the person(s) is on their path forward. I also really like the ability to just keep rolling my loans forward - that the same money funds loan after loan and benefits multiple people over time.

Great way to help others globally with micro loans. Platform works well and there are frequently matches that can increase your reach. Been a member for quite awhile and highly recommend

Kiva does an incredible job - I've been a lender with them for a number of years, and it's very heartwarming to be able to make a difference to people all over the world who are pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. Their methodology (which often involves lending to groups who work together and help each other be accountable), increases the percentage of loans that get paid up. Because they do all the research and the behind-the-scenes work to improve the process, I can invest with confidence - all my loans (I've made nearly 100) have gone well except for a small number where I took a greater chance. I trust them, and their customer service is excellent as well - they really do get back to you and quickly.

As a person committed to making the most of life on a low income, I love that I can support people in the so called second and third worlds who are committed to growing food, creating community, and getting out of Modern Culture consumer practices. Kiva creates possibilities for me to find these people and get some money to them, and empowers them to be accountable to repaying the loan.

After 15 years lending through Kiva, and making over 15,000 loans, I still find it a deeply rewarding experience. Being able to help people around the world with loans which they repay gives me a satisfying connection to others. My repayment rate is 97.7% which I find remarkable, and the stories of borrowers I have helped gives me hope for humanity.

I have been a part of Kiva community for about 3 years. My personal funds are limited, but by investing in small loans I can see the benefit in others lives. Not only does it help the borrower, but it allows me to see that even small amounts do make a big difference to individuals and the community. The program helps individual to become more economically independent which is always a desirable goal and essential to meeting basic needs and developing principles of democracy and human rights. Join in sharing someone else's vision.

Kiva is a fantastic organisation which offers me the opportunity to help people all round the world get access to financial support so they can achieve their dreams. Without Kiva, many of these families would not get loans from traditional financial institutions. The Kiva website makes the whole process easy to navigate, from selecting a particular loan from the many deserving recipients to contributing the funds to then loaning the money again in the future when the original loan is repaid. Each time I contribute to a loan, I feel I am making a positive difference to someone's life. It's what keeps me coming back over the years that I have used the Kiva website. In a world of media pumping out a relentless stream of bad news, Kiva is a shining light of optimism and hope for the future.

I really like Kiva because even a small amount can make a difference, and you can see exactly what it's being used for. I love it when I get a repayment because you know that your original loan is working. Of course I immediately lend that repayment (and more) because it's such a little amount to me but so much to them.

I love using this service. I donated an amount a couple of years ago and as it gets paid back. I just lend it to another person. It feels great to help people around the world.

Kiva has provided us with the perfect platform to impact communities around the world that would have otherwise been inaccessible to us. The ability to lend in small amounts makes the process easy to digest financially.

I love the concept of this nonprofit - using the advantages of my access to funds to support those who need access to follow their own initiative and personal goals. Kiva's information is well-organized and it is clear who and how you are supporting.

I have been lending with Kiva for many years. I love the fact that my money seems to go further by relending when the loan has been paid off. I like to choose who I lend to by searching either by country or reason for loan.
I am also a part of monthly giving where kiva chooses those I loan to. I like this auto payment scheme where I don’t have to search but know my small amount goes into a larger loan for someone. I feel my money goes further when my loans get paid off and I can relend that money to someone else.

I have been lending for a few years now, I deposit $50 a month and loan out on shorter term loans... The sooner they get repaid... The sooner I can loan the money out again, there is a little fund loss at times, but I feel I do more by loaning again and again vs a charity where I give a 1 off donation!

Fantastic! A way to help others without, ideally, losing money. Better yet, they take credit card, so cash back credit cards, especially the PayPal one, makes Kiva all the more worth it even if the loans themselves are nonprofit.

We have been lending to Kiva for many years. We give to groups of women involved in agriculture, and we are paid back enough to reinvest without much additional input.

This is one of the best ways I've found to meet people where they are in life and help them with their own choices and goals for themselves. The donations help not only individuals and families, but help them improve their own communities. Kiva website is very easy to use and a large amount of the donation goes directly to the person I am donating to. I can help at any level; it doesn't have to cost a lot and I can choose to help an individual or a group. I highly support this nonprofit.

I'm just a retired teacher, but by reinvesting the money that is paid back by Kiva borrowers, I have been able to make 1,929 loans since 2008. I enjoy lending to a variety of countries - 88 to date - and have a soft spot for fellow teachers and for people who are smiling in their photos. Kiva's feedback on borrowers' progress is uplifting and interesting. It feels especially good to lend to someone who has made progress with one loan and is looking to advance their business with another one.

I have been a lender at KIVA for many years. In all of that time, I have had only a few loans that the lenders did not pay back (less than 5). I love that I can choose the country and the reason for the loan--auto repair in Ukraine, fruit farm in Ecuador, water purification in Uganda, a bakery in Tennessee, etc. I love seeing the photos of the people asking for the loans and reading a bit about them. Mostly, I love the fact that I--a person who is not wealthy--can still provide help for people all around the world. When I get a bunch of repayments back at the same time (meaning I can loan to more folks), it is like Christmas for me. The site is professional and easy to use, and I know my money is going to help folks because of the updates I get.

KIVA makes it possible for us donors to regularly give just a few dollars, which end up to have an enormous impact on many small entrepeneurs all over the world, improving their livelihood. It simply makes me happy to be able to participate in this lending process, even though I am not rich.

It is so easy and so very satisfying to know I'm helping people to become self-sufficient. I'm so impressed when my loans are repaid that I want to lend the money out again as quickly as possible. It's incredible that even small donations can help other people so much and then to know that my same loan can be used again and again because the recipients are so incredibly hard working that they pay the loans back as fast as they can.

Kiva makes it easy to support micro-finance projects of your choice. As these are loans, most often you eventually get your money back and can loan it again, to a different project or person. These projects have been checked and are valid. You can loan small amounts which make a big difference in people's lives. I find the Kiva way of doing things easy, simple and fulfilling. I highly recommend them

I started out donating just $25 and have continued to lend it every time it is repaid. I added another $25 so now I regularly have $50 on loan. I am not wealthy, so this enables me to help without breaking the bank. I love hearing about the (mostly) women I loan to and how a small loan can make a big difference.

KIVA is one of my favorite charities. It provide a easy to navigate website that permits you to loan small amounts of funds to a wide variety of geographical and borrower's loan focuses. The best part is you get to reload funds as they are paid back by your borrowers. You can develop teams for loaning so that friends and family members can join your efforts to help God take care of those less fortunate. LOVE KIVA!!!!

I've been an active lender on Kiva for more than 8 years. Being able to select who I want to help (country, field of work, gender, etc.) is something I enjoy - makes me feel a small connection to the person.

Been a member for over 10 years and love how I can make a positive difference in others’ lives with relatively small investments.

Kiva makes it easy to make a difference with as little as $5 by lending money to people who can't otherwise borrow money.
By applying search filters it's possible to find loans that match interests such as farming, education or construction.

One by one, Kiva makes a difference to both the loan receiver and giver. We improve the world, one loan at a time. I enjoy reading stories and choosing one that touches my heart, and that I can RELEND money that I've already invested..

I have been lending through Kiva for almost a decade. I love this organization, the impact they make, their transparency, and their easy re-lending options. I give Kiva gift cards to friends and family for special occasions so they can choose borrowers that they resonate with. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the success stories of people around the world who are empowered thanks to their micro loans. Thanks for being one of my favourite ways of giving back, Kiva!

Kiva is helping people all over the world to create,finance,or grow their own businesses. This includes people that would otherwise be unable to fund themselves through regular banking systems.Byproviding micro lending services. Kiva has been giving financial assistance and providing a wonderful service to this diverse worldwide community ,enabling people to support themselves and their families.

wow...this great organization finds people that need help and makes it easy for us to help them. I can not imagine not having an indoor toilet so I always fund the women who are doing this to help their family. Love this non profit!!

The manner in which they present the intention of each goal, is presented in such a way that it is easily understood and helpful, in understanding the potential effect I may be able to contribute.

Kiva is the platform that allows you to add a grain of salt to help.

I've been involved with Kiva for several years, and my experience has been nothing short of transformative. Kiva stands out as a remarkable platform that bridges the gap between lenders and borrowers, making it possible for underserved entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe to access the capital they need to grow their businesses and improve their lives.

What I truly admire about Kiva is its commitment to transparency and its mission-driven approach. Every loan story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals striving for a better future. As a lender, it's incredibly fulfilling to see the direct impact of my contributions, no matter how small, in helping someone achieve their dreams.

Moreover, Kiva's focus on financial inclusion ensures that even those in the most remote and marginalized communities have a chance to uplift themselves and their families. The ripple effect of each loan is profound, as it benefits not only the borrower but also their community and local economy.

The platform is user-friendly, and the regular updates from borrowers make the lending experience personal and engaging. Reading success stories and seeing how a small loan can make a difference is heartwarming.

In a world of challenges, Kiva shines as a beacon of hope, proving that collective action and compassion can change lives. I wholeheartedly recommend Kiva to anyone looking to make a meaningful difference. It's not just about lending money; it's about lending hope and opportunity.

Hello, I joined KIVA Feb 05, 2008 9:45am PST. I have been very happy ever since. I feel like I am making a small impact. People in first world countries have NO idea how hard it is to borrow in 3rd world countries. KIVA has figured out a way to make that happen. Borrowing is what makes First World countries work. KIVA keeps the risk low and I have been able to help others I would never have been able to do without KIVA....Keep up the GOOD work KIVA.

I’ve been lending to Kiva borrowers and donating to Kiva operations for at least five years now. I trust their impact in improving lives around the world and their ethics handling the micro loans.

Incredible organisation, so unique in the way they support people with loans that then go back into the system to help more people! I love the updates they send and getting to decide where my funds go every month.

I was given a gift card for Kiva about 10 years ago. With as little as $25 I can make a huge impact. Because many loans are repaid, plus a little installment of my own cash, since then I have made hundreds of loans. I have learned about the economic realities for individuals in the countries that I loaned to. I love being able to provide loans to people to help them realize their dreams.

I know where my money goes, who it helps and what it will be used to accomplish. Funding someone’s dreams and aspirations. I control how much, decide on whom to “invest” and go on their journey together in the hopes a small success which will be rewarded with repayment…allowing me to repeat the process for others. It’s great!

I admire the creative genius of Kiva and congratulate them of creating a platform where one can support another on an international basis!
I lent my first amount several years ago and it has been re-lent several time supporting more people. I love this concept of pooling lender's money to support those less fortunate to achieve livelihood leading to an improved life, and possibly the lives of the recipient's family, friends and community.

I have made a great number of loans through KIVA and they always keep me up to date on their progress. I am able to select the kind of loan and person I want to help. This is one of my favorite places to donate and help

I'm a former employee of Kiva, and worked for them for about 4 years full time before moving on. I have an intricate knowledge of both the microfinance industry and kiva in particular.
I have also personally made more than 3000 loans through the website, and have visited borrowers personally in the field.

I want to start by clearly saying that kiva is one of the most effective and dramatically successful non-profits I have ever seen. The amount of good done per dollar, and the number of lives touched is absolutely incredible.

I have also read some other negative reviews on this site from people who seem to be confused about some details about how kiva works, and there are three things I would like to help clarify.

1) People seem concerned that kiva has an operating budget north of 10 million a year. (This is what they are talking about in the "990"
It appears that they DON'T understand where that operating budget comes from. When you make a loan on kiva 100% of the money you loan goes to the person you loaned it to, and when they pay it back 100% of the money comes back to you (which you can withdraw I might add) Kiva's operating budget is made up of two sources: 1) There is an optional "tip" button attached to loans. It suggests a tip of 15% on the loan. In general about 5% of lenders make that tip. The tip money goes towards the operating budget, not to borrowers. The second source is direct donations from high net worth individuals and organizations, which they have earmarked directly for operating expenses.

2) People seem to be realizing that many of the folks getting loans through kiva still end up paying very high interest rates on those loans. (NOT to Kiva, but to 3rd party intermediaries)
This is true, real, and something of an obsession for the kiva employees and organization. In many of the places where organizations are making micro-loans the interest rates are, well, astronomical. In areas like these, kiva will work with a micro-loan partner that is already charging well below average rates in their area (usually a non-profit), and help them bring those rates even lower. This is often STILL a very high rate by standards in the financially developed west. The realities of infrastructure in many of these areas end up forcing interest rates much higher.

3) As is so often the case, people seem to be confusing money they lend on kiva, for money that they have given away. The money you lend _comes back_, and can be withdrawn back into your own bank account through paypal. This is really powerful because it means that you can put the money you are saving to work helping the world. I personally kept about 20% of my life savings loaned out on kiva for years (this is how I was able to make 3000 loans) and I feel it was one of the best "investment" choices I ever made.

I hope that these details help clear up some of the concerns I see floating around on the site here.

Am new here and feel and wish to learn of what Kiva does

I have made a total of 56 loans with Kiva over the last 4 years. My first glimmer of dissatisfaction came when I saw their tax returns and realized how much money was going to US-based employees. Another reviewer has provided details so I won't bother - but ouch! Then there are the usurious interest rates being charged to the borrowers. Again, other reviewers have provided details - and again, ouch!

And then there's the issue of loans that are in a de facto state of default (delinquent for more than a year) that are still being carried on the books as active in order to conceal the true percentage of bad loans. I currently have three such loans in my portfolio, and I would be happy to forgive these loans - my small portion, anyway - but Kiva seems to have no process for that.

In summary, Kiva may look like a great program at first blush, but a closer inspection suggests to me that they very likely creating more problems for disadvantaged people than they are solving.

I have been happily supporting Kiva for 5 or 6 years. I am somewhat amazed at the negative reviews below. But then, I believe that the internet has a lot of people who feel that being negative is not just their right, but their obligation.
A small donation on our part adds up to part of a life-changing loan for people who are REALLY in need. Granted, there are interest charges to help the banks which manage these loans operate the program. The borrowers don't seem to be complaining. These loans are probably their only option. I have had nothing but successful repayments over the years. Every month I donate. My money is still there. I can cash-out if I so desire.
Thanks to Kiva and the people there who probably work for much less than they could get in the open job market.

I needed help with my business as a new migrant to the US but Kiva wouldn't help me yet four doors down is a coffee shop that has a Kiva loan. the owner of the coffee shop on taraval avenue SAN FRANCISCO has two coffee shops plus a new restaurant plus both he and his wife drive new BMW each . They have a beautiful home.

Where do I sleep on the floor of my business! KIVA ONLY SUPPORTS LIARS!

Kiva is still a great organization, with lots of opportunities to make, and dreams to fulfill !
I still have a question:
I have referred a friend and 25$ were added to my account, in which I've lent it to the most needed.
My question is: when the loan is returned, will I be able to withdraw it to my account?

I'm looking at the form 990 from these clowns.

Year/ revenue / / salaries and benifits payed
2011 / 12mil / 5.5mil
2012 / 15mil / 7.25

so about half of the hard earned money you donate is going directly into their pockets.
Mr Flannery and about 20 of his croneys are making average more then 100k a year plus extra benefits. What doesn't go directly into their pockets goes to crooked international bankers
I know in your heart of hearts you want to help the people they seem to portray. Unfortunatly it looks like the main lives they want to change are there own.

After supporting two Kiva loans in South Sudan, I began thinking about the interest rate. Of course, the loans had been pre-disbursed, so I was supporting the Kiva field partner and not the borrowers. I didn't mind that. What I did mind was the staggering interest rate (61.5%).

Okay, so microloans are expensive to administer, but in 2011 the average worldwide was just 26.9%. [1] Take away the cost of capital (7.8%), which Kiva provides free, and you get 19.1%. This is what you might expect of a for-profit Kiva field partner, and the 61.5% now seemed extortionary. Also take away the profit (2.6%) and you get 16.5%, what you might expect of a non-profit Kiva field partner.

So, why does Kiva fail to crack the whip on the interest rates of loans that use the capital it provides for free? It surely has some leverage there. I have contacted Kiva, and was told they have no plans to address what to them I have contacted Kiva, and was told they have no plans to address what to them appears not to be an issue. This is unfortunate because high interest rates are one of the main reasons microloans haven't made much progress in alleviating poverty. I suspect that, like too many charities, Kiva is more interested in growing than in furthering its stated mission.

I am staying with Kiva for now, but will make the interest rate a top criterion in selecting the loans I support. There are plenty of reasonable field partners to choose from, in a variety of countries. Here are some: Cooperativa San José (Ecuador) 15.7%, FATEN (Palestine) 18.3%, WAGES (Togo) 18.5%, CIDRE (Bolivia) 18.8%, FPW (Vietnam) 23.1%, Soro Yiriwaso (Mali) 23.1%.

If you want to dig deeper, see [2,3].

[1] www.microfinancegateway.org/p/site/m/template.rc/1.26.23685/
[2] strom.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/kiva/
[3] blog.microfinancetransparency.com/what's-wrong-with-kivas-portfolio-yield-statistic/

I have been participating in Kiva loans as a lender for 4 years. The borrowers do pay interest to the local bank that manages the loan. As a Kiva lender my money, joined with the money of others, guarantees the loan, getting the banks to lend to the people. If not for Kiva, many of these borrowers would be dependent on loan sharks to fund their cyclical businesses or restock their inventory. And loan sharks not only charge a much higher interest rate, some even require the borrower sell their product to the shark at a barely profitable cost. Sure in a perfect world everyone could get loans with no interest and the bank would work for free to manage the loans but that's not going to happen. I like that Kiva helps people learn to budget their finances and grow their businesses. I don't have a lot to donate to charities. With Kiva, I usually get most or all of the money back (not counting my donation to the Kiva office) and I can then help someone else with the same money.

No business can survive with a 30% interest rate. This cannot be helpful, but instead is most likely a last resort that people make in dire circumstances.

As some have mentioned, most of the loans do have quite high interest rates. I wrote to Kiva about this and they explained that the cost of living increase in these countries can be very high (even 20-30%) and also these small finance companies also have to look after loans that don't get repaid. Often the only loans available to these people where they are have much, much higher loan rates and so in the big picture, Kiva's rates are not entirely unjustified. All in all, Kiva is providing access to loans which these people cannot get through the regular banks and most are finding it makes a great improvement in their lives. Also, there are some loans on the site which do not get disbursed to the "loanee" until the loan is fully funded. KIVA has a new site called KIVA ZIP where the loans must be fully funded BEFORE being disbursed to the "loanee". The Zidisha site, I think, is also a good option - where funds must be fully funded before being disbursed to the person needing the loan and the interest rates are much lower (between 0 and 12 approx.) but an additional 5% is paid in interest on top of the listed interest rate. The interest is paid to the person making the loan (i.e. me, you, anyone who goes on and makes a loan). It's an interesting one and, of course, one can make a little interest oneself while helping someone else in a far away land change their life. I don't think, however, we should be beating up on Kiva too much as they are, all in all, doing a good thing and are innovating all the time.

I was initially very enthusiastic about Kiva and about supporting them as a lender. The web site in particular is very well organised; it gives you a real sense of being able, with others, to directly help those in many developing and third-world countries. Similarly, the wide range of people seeking loans from Kiva means you can support people from across the World, in different continents, who are seeking to borrow for a host of different purposes. But I became increasing concerned about the high interest rates Kiva are charging - up to 30% - and the amount leaching out into administrative charges. The final straw came when I realised they also post applications for loans from people living in the USA. Now, I am sure there are very many poor people in the US, and that small business owners there may well have difficult in financing their enterprises. But I don't think this is where Kiva should be devoting its energy or resources.

So I have scaled back my involvement with Kiva and now mainly offer finance instead via Zidisha. They have a much smaller client base (focussed in Kenya) and the web site is much less sophisticated. But their admin charges are low and uniquely, I think, they allow the borrower to set the interest rate at what they can afford (sometimes even at 0%). I will still offer some loans through Kiva, but through gritted teeth and only where they appear to be the only micro-finance organisation operating in a country I am interested in.

Fantastic idea. But, they do need to reduce the interest rates for the people who are getting the loans. I will still keep lending, BUT KIVA must work with the third party lenders to reduce interest rates should be their CEO and board biggest goal for the future. Interest rates are, at an all time low, around the world, it's time for hard working poor people to able to receive some of the benefits of it.

When I first found Kiva I was amazed by what they were doing. I even donated all the Christmas money I had saved for my family to the to Kiva and had my family help me choose lenders. However, after doing a bit more research, I realized that some of the problems for the borrowers (high interest rates - they state the average for all their loans is 30%! ) are not alleviated through this platform. They have started a new platform to try and alleviate this problem (Kiva Zip) , but I really do not know how much the original site is HELPING those borrowing.... when they are paying 1/3 of their principal in interest! Other microfinancing non profits (I ran into zidisha.org yesterday for the first time) do a much better job at bringing down those rates, making the loans much more beneficial for the borrowers.

Kiva works with lenders to provide micro loans to people who would never have access otherwise. They connect donors and borrowers to help make a farm more productive in a poor area of the world, or help someone buy stock for a used clothing store. I truly believe they provide a stepping stone to independence in places where there are no other ways to change your life.

Not quite sure about Kiva any longer. Their idea was initially good and I'm sure they are still working tirelessly to benefit those living in impoverished areas. Yet due to their system (ie. middle-men) they loose over 1/3 of lenders money in credit interest and fees. They have been repeatedly criticized by GiveWell and even by Mohamad Yanus himself. They social impact is to be checked as they seems to focus much energy on the financial side. They ethics (see the animal-fighting loans and the LAPO stories) are also questionable.

I have been donating with Kiva for over two years now. Kiva makes the whole process very transparent. The best part is that when the loans are paid back, I simply reinvest the payments to another person's needs! A full account of your loan, donations, credits, is clearly posted on your account.

Kiva gives the donor choices - you can donate at random or choose a specific person/group of people to receive your donation in the form of a loan that is (hopefully) paid back and credited to your account. Most everyone can afford to donate since the minimum is only $25, and that money can be recycled to another borrower once the loan has been repaid. I can't think of a better system, and I would highly recommend Kiva!

I found out about Kiva off of Youtube and i haven't looked back. My goal is to have enough loans going that i can give out a loan every other week with the money comming back. With the free $25 i am not worried if someone cant pay me back 100%.

I just joined KIVA last night and made my first two donations. I'm absolutely thrilled. Not only was the whole process of micro-loans thoroughly explained and easy to understand, it was so encouraging to see the progress they've made through the statistics and data. The website is extremely easy to navigate and very straightforward. Payment was simple. And they provide you with a profile page to keep you updated on the progress of the loans you've contributed to. It's an excellent organization, and I will gladly contribute for many more years.

What an outstanding organization that supports the poor around the world in their attempts to get a start economically. The money virtually all comes back and you get to loan it out again, and you get to see who is borrowing your money. It's just superb.

A simple way to give, and keep on giving, while easily being able to track where your money is going and how much good is being done.

We've been doing loans through Kiva for years and they're wonderful!

I have been a Kiva donor since 2007. I have made over 300 x $25 loans to many countries including the US because Kiva has made it easy to do. When the money is paid back, I can re-loan it again. I add money to my account each year and that allows me to increase my lending capacity - what a great concept!!

I love loaning through Kiva. The website is easy to use and I can monitor the people to whom I have loaned quite easily. Loan repayments are made promptly so that I can reloan the money. I enjoy donating money to worthwhile charities; Kiva is currently my favorite by far. The groups of likeminded people that you can join if you wish allow you to connect with other lenders from around the world. This organization and its easy to use website are absolutely outstanding.

I've been working with Kiva and affiliate organizations, and they get the job done, helping build small business and create jobs. (I figure creating a job is one of the best things a person can do for another.) Specifically, I've made contributions including the West Bank and Detroit, that helps people out, and my loans are getting paid off quite well.

Kiva is an extremely effective charity program. So far I've actually donated $400, but it has made an impact of over $700. The program helps build up communities in the impoverished communities, it fosters self-reliance and independence. I truly believe this charity can make a difference. You can see the results in the unbelievably high return rates for the loans; also, actual donations to the administration are completely optional. I would recommend donating to this charity.

I have been a Kiva lender for over three and a half years and have personally met several of the principals involved with that organization and have visited their HQ in San Francisco. This 5+ year old organization whose 600,000+ lenders have loaned out more than $ 231,000,000. to over poor entrepreneurs in 59 countrys (through 135 field partners) has 450 volunteers throughout the world.

The Kiva format used uniquely allows the lender and the borrower to communicate through the Kiva website (with text, pictures and video) and is completely transparent in all phases of the operation. I have even met one of the borrowers (Kiva includes the US as one of its lending countrys).

The cumulative payback rate to date is an amazing 98.8%.

Also Kiva takes no 'cut' of the transaction and the loan is accomplished with no transaction fee. (The transaction is provided thru Paypal at no charge!) Kiva's operation is financed primarily through donations and some grants.

It is one of the best organizations that I have ever been involved with in my 71+ years.

Visit the site www.kiva.org and you'll be happy that you did.

I really like Kiva, for three reasons. First, I love how each $25 keeps on giving (so far at any rate - I run two loans at any one time and they have all been repaid so far). Second, it's a great way to get my teenaged boys thinking beyond suburban USA - I have encouraged each of them to put some of their own pocket-money or wages into Kiva, which they have willingly done, and I have enjoyed watching them take an interest in living conditions in other countries less fortunate than theirs. Third, Kiva seems to be extremely well run, with an easy-to-use website, and a high proportion of income applied to the core mission.

I entered the Kiva waters slowly, first with just $25 to see if it actually would give my money back, I used it as an experiment and fully expected it may just disappear. After things all were getting repaid, I kept moving more in. With a few thousand in, carefully chosen partners and repayment terms, I'm now over $28K lent with more than 1000 loans and have not lost any money! I wrote a website that used Kiva's API to access their data to help me choose my loans more easily and eventually ended up applying, getting hired and moving to SF to work in Kiva's office. The employees all have a lot of passion about the work Kiva does, and so much more investigation, research, measurements, etc happens with each partner than I ever had any idea of when I was just a lender. It's not just a great movement to be part of as a lender, but also a fantastic place to work!

Kiva has been very prompt in alerting me to unused gift certificates and refunding them on request. Also prompt in informing me of loans that have been repaid and loans that were rescinded.

I love Kiva! It only takes $25 to make a difference in someone's life! I have actually sent Kiva loans to all my friends for christmas presents :)

Kiva is a wonderful nonprofit. Not only is it built on a great idea, but the staff and volunteers are so deeply passionate and determined to make a difference. The idea is sustainable and making a huge impact in communities around the world. I am proud to be part of this community as a lender and volunteer

Kiva is always keeping me updated on the latest projects being funded and how the businesses I have loaned to are doing. It is very rewarding to hear the stories that come from families who benefit from the loans.

Kiva's online platform allows you to make a microloan to entrepreneurs from around the world, ranging from a goat herder in Kenya to a seamstress in Peru. It is a great way to connect with the world's poor to contribute to a sustainable to alleviate poverty -- check out www.kiva.org!

Kiva.org is a wonderful organization that has really been revolutionary in the field of microfinance by allowing someone to lift an entrepreneur in the developing world out of poverty with as small as $25. My experience has been very positive because the website allows me to connect with an entrepreneur of my choice and establish a connection which is blurred between the lines of a personal/business relationship. At the end of the day Kiva is perfect as I can help someone who is facing the conditions of global poverty and at the same time get my money back over 98% of the time.