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Here is a Great Way to Help Others -- KIVA - Not a Handout but a Hand Up

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Venture Realty International

Have you heard of KIVA?  

Many members of ActiveRain are helping by making micro-loans to people who need your help from all over the world. Get a free $25 Kiva trial but don't wait they are going fast.

Today you can try it and make a difference for free with no future obligation (Of course, as I've discovered helping others is contagious and you will probably continue to help).

For a limited time, Reid Hoffman, founder of Linkedin, is sponsoring free trials

My KIVA Loans

The funds go to the people that you select (I know they get the funds because they repay them and then you can loan again). KIVA has a fantastic rating from every place that I can find to rate charitable organizations.  I love the idea that we are not handing money over -- but rather helping people by lending to alleviate poverty.  The worldwide network of KIVA leverages the internet and works with micro finance organizations to help create opportunity around the world. 

Typical loans are as little as $25 and do a world of good. Learn how it works.  Try a loan now.

Others on ActiveRain who are making loans on KIVA include: Juli VosmikPeter & Linda Pfann, Emily Read,  Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, Kristie Kruger, Richard RuggaberRalph GorgoglioneCynthia Larsen and Erica Ramus.

Get a free $25 Kiva trial but don't wait they are going fast.

 

Comments (20)

Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

Here are some Kiva facts:

Since Kiva was founded in 2005:

  • 713,398 Kiva lenders
  • $292 million in loans
  • 98.91% Repayment rate

We work with:

  • 147 Field Partners
  • 450 volunteers around the world
  • 61 different countries
Mar 12, 2012 11:27 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Thanks for sharing this info Gary - it's a wonderful program.  And....where have you been? We missed you!!

Mar 12, 2012 12:26 PM
Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

Gary, I've heard of Kiva but not yet tried it. How have you been? Haven't talked to you for awhile.

Mar 12, 2012 12:40 PM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Okay Gary whats up?  Debbie and are were talking about you yesterday as we were looking at the sunset card you sent months ago.  Wondering where you were and if Yanz is okay.  Hope all is well with you and with Yanz!

I had never heard of Kiva expect that here it's a natural fruit drink chain :)  Your Kiva is a much more exciting and awesome type!

Mar 12, 2012 12:45 PM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Gary, I have been contributing to KIVA with every sale  of real estate for years.  My only complaint is that I haven't seen much in the USA - just other countries.  But, I'm still happy to help for the small amount it takes to make a big difference. 

Mar 12, 2012 01:07 PM
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

Ana, Maria & John,  I've enjoyed this program.  Sorry that I haven't been around -- Yaz is now in Kitty Heaven. I didn't realize how closely she and AR were to me.  For most of the last year she has been right on my desk beside me (the desk is L shaped).  In fact for the last three month she usually had her little paws wrapped around my arm so I had to type with one hand. It has been hard to sit and do much at the computer so I have been doing all of the many other things that needed attention around here.  Thank you all for the prayers and thought that you have all given for my sweet little Yaz. 

Mar 12, 2012 01:56 PM
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

Juli,  I'm glad that you have enjoyed this program too.  I just edited the post to include you as an AR participant. I agree that it would be nice to see more loans in the US.  I wonder what needs to be done to increase them.  I will contact them and ask.

Mar 12, 2012 02:01 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Gary, nice to see you back on AR. 

My nephew is a major contributor/supporter of KIVA


            * * * Rest in peace, Yazmine * * * 

 

  

Mar 12, 2012 02:54 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Oh Gary so sorry to hear Yaz is gone. And she was so lucky to have you as her Dad. Thinking of you and sending blessings your way, Anna

Mar 12, 2012 03:01 PM
Doug Bullwinkel
E Mortgage Capital, Inc. NMLS 1416824 - Roseville, CA
Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #281609

KIVA sounds like a great organization Gary.  I seem to remember a quote that goes:  If you give a man a fish, he will eat the fish and go hungry.  If you teach the man to fish, he will prosper.  It sounds like KIVA has been following this advice.

Mar 12, 2012 06:04 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Gary-I was wondering where you might be and if Yazmine was still with you. We share a loss my friend. I lost Lindsey last Monday.  Here is a tribute to my girl. I am truly sorry for your loss. I understand what you are going thru.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3009217/remembering-my-lindsey-the-final-farewell-to-my-sweet-girl

Mar 13, 2012 04:36 AM
Marge Piwowarski
Phoenix AZ Horse Property - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix AZ Horse Property, LLC

Gary,

 

Suggested.  Reblogged.  This week I made my 326th Kiva loan. I have been doing one a week for years.  My last one went to Carmencita, a 57 year old owner of a fishing boat in the Phillipines.  This is the best "feel good" program around. 

 

Click to enlarge
Marge Piwowarski
kiva bird

Give your friends free $25 Kiva trials.
Hurry they're going fast.

Add Credit | Donate | Kiva Gifts | Withdraw

$25.00
Available
Kiva Credit

Outstanding Loans: $1,352.51

Relend credit
 

My Impact

Statistic NameMe Avg. Kiva User* 
Number of Loans Made 326 8 Make a Loan
         
         
         
Mar 13, 2012 09:50 AM
Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Gary,

I have not tried KIVA, however an old college friend of mine really likes it and make regular contributions.  I like what Juli is doing - contributing to KIVA from every closed transaction.  I may pull that into my business.  Thanks for the post and best of success to you sir this year!

Mar 14, 2012 04:18 PM
Sondra Meyer:
EXP Realty, LLC - Corpus Christi, TX
See It. Experience It. Live It.

Gary, I'm so sorry about the loss of Yazmine.  It seemed like she was an Active Rain member, right along side of you.  

I'll have to check out KIVA.  It sounds like a wonderful organization. 

 

Mar 15, 2012 01:11 PM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Gary - I'm so sorry to hear about Yazmine. KIVA sounds like a very interesting organization. I'll be checking it out.

Mar 16, 2012 05:20 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Gary,  I am checking out KIVA now.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I know how painful it is when our pets leave us. 

Mar 17, 2012 03:37 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Gary,

 I haven't heard from you recently and thought maybe you were on a trip. So sorry about Yaz as she had been sick for a long time and you were such a good daddy to her. Although you miss her, she is now healthy again and pain free. Remember the good times as she would not want you to be sad. God Bless!

Mar 19, 2012 01:41 AM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Gary:  When my Misty went to kitty heaven, I lost about 50,000 points on AR. Our animals friends really do impact our lives and we miss them terribly when they leave us!  I bet she is watching over you Gary....best of wishes to you and yours!

Mar 19, 2012 04:54 AM
James A. Browning
Browning Real Estate School/REO Institute - International, IT
MRE REOCertified(R) SSCertified

Thank you for sharing your blog; we need Real estate Professionals to share their comments and information regarding their markets and experiences. Thanks again from beautiful Colorado; Spring is here in the Rocky Mountains

Apr 29, 2012 02:57 AM
Susanna Haynie
CO-RE Group, LLC -Real estate sales and services - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realtor GRI CNE MCNE ePro MRP

Thank your for introducing Kiva to even more people. I received a note tonight that I can re-lend my 'loan-donation'. It will be my 10th loan with 2x$25 dollars. So let's see I spent $50 but my support will be worth $500! I am so excited.

May 24, 2012 10:43 AM