Kiva - matching loans today - get in quick

Have used kiva for a couple years. Well worth it. If you pick the NGO agencies with strong credit record. You'll rarely see capital losses.

 

Kiva is a great charity because its giving people a hand up, not a hand out

 

Yep this, and also allows a pretty wide spread throughout the world as well.

 

I looked into Kiva about a year ago, and it looked like a great idea.
But then I came across an article that states that the money you lend to Kiva, is then sent to Microlenders who then charge the people 100%+ interest - so the people pay back $50+ for every $25 you lend them.

I found the link again. Interesting read.
The joys of pretending to help the poor: The Kiva Story

I think I'll stick to donating to Careflight and Westmead Children's Hospital directly..

 

I lent some yesterday. Buy 2 cows.

 

Every charity or similar has holes in it.

The interest they charge borrowers is visible on the site so you can select where you lend and who and what you support

I have read many other arguments against Kiva. Still I believe the model does a lot of good, far more than handouts and I continue to support it.

 

I like the idea of micro finance .We have started doing some of this privately in uganda.

David Bussau who is an aussie bulder was a pioneer of microfinance,starting Opportunity Internantional.
I know some people who work with him and they were really helpful getting us started too.
These guys lend to the poor at very generous rates and also work in the local communities and teach the recipients how to build a business and repay the money.A HUGE precentage is repaid and the interest is used to develop the communities as well!
Here is some interesting info on him;

David Bussau & Our History


Starting life in an Anglican boys’ home, Opportunity International Australia founder David Bussau launched his career as an entrepreneur at age 15 with a rented hotdog stand. Twenty years later, and with numerous successful businesses to his credit, he reached what he refers to as the ’economics of enough’.

In 1974, with his young family in tow, David travelled to Darwin and headed up a national movement to assist the victims of Cyclone Tracey. Soon after, he began aid work in Bali, Indonesia to help with an earthquake recovery program. As he helped out, he realised traditional aid and development solutions may help, but they did little to actually break the cycle of poverty.

It was during this time that David became a pioneer of microfinance, before the term even existed. He offered a small loan of $50 to a struggling Indonesian farmer named Ketut Suwiria. The loan enabled Ketut to buy a sewing machine and start a tailoring business with his wife. Having grown his own sustainable business, Ketut was able to repay the loan. He even went on to run an import/export business and own a fleet of taxis, giving other people in his local community employment, too.

 

I also support Opportunity International - they are my favourite charity.

 

Yep I heard him speak many yrs ago super impressive in mind and heart.

 

Regarding the dodgy loan sharks mentioned above and the safer options from @Carrytrader maybe we could put a list of those good operators together here? I have a kiva account but have been a bit lazy and have some $ that needs to be relent now.

 

I got a bit lazy too. Read the email but didn't act on it.

 

I reinvested my Kiva Credit that I have ignored for a while
Ended up adding $8.16 and made 5 X $25 loans ( all accredited to the somersoft group. . )

 

topped up and lent out available credit
Go team Somersoft, at least we can still call it that!
Cheers
PP

 

Good idea ill start a new thread