a great gift idea!

This Christmas I received a wonderful gift – a credit to be used on Kiva (check out the site here!).

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. By choosing a loan on Kiva, you can “sponsor a business” and help the world’s working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the entrepreneur you’ve sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

I absolutely love this idea!

Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions. In doing so, Kiva gains access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities world-wide. Their partners are experts in choosing qualified entrepreneurs. That said, they are usually short on funds. Through Kiva, their partners upload their entrepreneur profiles directly to the site so you can lend to them.

I’ve made three (3) donations/loans, so far!

I can’t wait to see how it goes! Just another way to make a difference . . .

~ by BF on February 8, 2008.