My Nonprofit Reviews
Frugivore
Review for Kiva, San Francisco, CA, USA
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.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
They need to solve the issue with their middle-men as this is causing irresonable interest rates to be paid back by the borrowers. They also need to focus on their own ethics (see the animal-fighting loans) and find ways to audit and check their social impact...not just financial.
Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Unlikely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Unlikely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Microfinance has a great potential while macro-funding and many charities keep being far too wastefuls systems to help those living in deprecated areas.
What would you tell others about this organization?
There are many choices around now. The very high credit interest that Kiva's middle-man charge borrowers are far too high. GiveWell have enlisted Kiva on "Charities that We Do Not Reccomend".
Review for Riseup Networks, Lacey, WA, USA
These guys do a treamendously good job at protecting the privacy of activists all over the wordl while providing Internet and network services to any good-willing person. They charge nothing and simply request voluntary donations but advise those who live in the South of the Globe and/or in impoverish areas to avoid donating to them. They work tirelessly to try and solve any technical problem and keep their users updated on any major sercurity, privacy but even social related issue. In a world where our identities and social status is constancly sold and disrecpected, RiseUp are bringing some light of hope and practicle tools to empower our own independence.
More Feedback
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
