Kiva.org is the world's
first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering
individuals to lend directly to an entrepreneur in the
developing world. By combining microfinance with the
internet, Kiva.org is creating a global community of
people connected through lending.
Kiva.org's mission is to connect people, through
lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty.
Kiva.org was born of the following beliefs:
-
People
are by nature generous, and will help others if
given the opportunity to do so in a transparent,
accountable way.
-
The poor
are highly motivated and can be very successful when
given an opportunity.
-
By
connecting people we can create relationships which
exceed beyond financial transactions, and build a
global community expressing support and
encouragement of one another.
Kiva.org
promotes:
-
Dignity:
Person-to person lending encourages partnership
relationships as opposed to benefactor
relationships. Partnership relationships are
characterized by mutual dignity and respect.
-
Accountability: Loans encourage more
accountability than donations where repayment is not
expected.
-
Transparency: The Kiva.org website is an open
platform where communication can flow freely between
the developing and developed worlds.
Kiva.org
democratizes philanthropy, allowing the average
individual to feel like a mini-Bill Gates by building a
portfolio of investments in developing world businesses.
Kiva.org expects to have facilitated a total of $100
million in loans by end 2008.
