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www.Kiva.org - A VERY cool site to help many people around the globe

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Metro Life Homes RS-78439 / BRE #01708344

I was turned on to Kiva.org about 2 years ago.

It is a very innovative site that lends people in underdeveloped countries around the world money to start small businesses.

You browse the website for those people who are looking for loans and read up on their small business and a little on their background.

The cool part is you cannot lend less than or more than $25.00 to each entrepreneur.

After the loan is fully funded by, maybe 30 or 40 donors online, then the money is distributed by different regulated financial organizations around the globe in each particular region to the small business entrepreneur.

They then start paying the money back each month and the payback amount is divided equally between the donors and it is credited back to your online account!!

You use your credit card to fund your account, and YOU choose whom to lend your $25.00 to.

I've made 9 loans so far, and they've all been paid back on time.  So now I'm going to re-lend my $177.50 back out again to those who are in need.

I really like this site because you are lending money and seeing the progress of the person you are helping to be independent and enterprising.

It is a VERY cool organization and very well run.

Give it a try.  You'll be glad you did.

WWW.KIVA.ORG

Comments (4)

Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

Hey Ralph,  I need a loan... JK ;o)... I have heard of this organization before and it is a great idea.

Jan 15, 2010 02:24 PM
Susan Neal
RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Hi Ralph - This is really a great organization, and I have seen stories on TV about some of the people who have built successful businesses in poor countries and have given jobs to others and helped their whole community.  It's a great organization, and we can all afford to loan such tiny amounts that will have such a large impact.  Thanks for sharing this with many folks who might not have heard of them.

Jan 15, 2010 02:28 PM
Carra Riley & Declan Kenyon
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek Ltd - Westminster, CO
Helping people Transition at all ages!

Ralph,

I have a friend who is also very active in this program and she loves participating.  The program guidelines make it easy to help someone even in hard times.

Cosmic Cow

Jan 15, 2010 03:08 PM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

I like this idea.  Can we have whoever is in charge of it take over the Federal Reserve and the Treaury Department?

Jan 15, 2010 05:55 PM