Has becoming an entrepreneur helped you support your family? Imagine what it could do to fight poverty and empower people around the world if more people are given that opportunity.
Thanks to KIVA, we don’t have to just imagine, we can help make it happen. With very small contributions we can make a big difference for entrepreneurs around the world.
What is KIVA?
KIVA is an organization that allows people to loan $25 to the cause of their choice and together the donations add up to micro-loans to create opportunity for entrepreneurs around the world who need a helping hand.
Search the KIVA website for a loan you want to fund. I sent my first loan yesterday and chose a widowed mother of two in Bolivia to help her invest in her bakery business to continue supporting her family. You can choose who and where you want your funds to support. When the funds are repaid you can invest again.
Or, donate a KIVA gift card — it’s a perfect last minute gift.
It only takes a few minutes to complete the process. Payments go through PayPal.
If this sounds like an organization you’d like to support, you can find more details here: http://kiva.org/invitedby/michelle9126
Thank you to Denise Wakeman for introducing me to KIVA.
Note: This is post 1 in a series of 3, spotlighting organizations I’m choosing to get involved with.
Thanks for posting this! It’s perfect timing, I’ve been wanting to pay it forward in some way. I am so thankful for the help I’ve received in growing my business (Thank you!). It has allowed me to stay home with my young boys. I couldn’t have done it without some help and now, I can do the same for another Mom.
A helping hand to get started makes such a difference. It’s awesome to be able to be a part of someone else’s success. :)
Thank you so much for sharing this, Michelle! I served with the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan from 2008-2010 and I know for a fact that KIVA is helping local communities in this country, particularly business minded women who are taking the initiative to build a future for themselves! Thanks again, and happy holidays!
That’s awesome to hear, Serena! I would love to see them in action first hand someday.
This is such a wonderful way to help others that in really need..
Is it ok if you can use it for business purpose?
It really is. They are doing great work.
The loans they give to entrepreneurs are for business purposes, yes.
Thank you so much for posting this, Michelle.
What a wonderful reminder of what this holiday season is really about.
Happy Holidays!
It sure is. :) So much to be thankful for, and a great time to give back.
I’m glad Denise Wakeman introduced you to Kiva. It’s one of my fave non-profits. Kiva epitomizes “what your mind can conceive, and believe, you’ll achieve.” Kiva was started by EXTRAordinary peeps: Jessica Jackley Flannery is the co-founder, with her husband, Matthew Flannery. It’s a story worth reading at http://www.netsquared.org/blog/britt-bravo/love-the-internet-kiva-an-interview-with-co-founder-jessica-jackley-flannery.
This is inspiration in motion.
As my granddaughter loves to say: Sharing is caring!
Thank you!
Thanks for the shout-out Michelle and congrats on making your first loan. You know I’m a huge Kiva fan and I talk about it to whomever will listen. I’m so proud that the Kiva team I started in June 2009 has loaned more than $17,000 to date to entrepreneurs worldwide. Together we can make a difference and lift everyone up!
I know about Kiva for a long time, it’s such a great idea ! Recommended it to my friends and passed an email to my co-workers as well !