Kiva is a pioneering international non-profit organization, founded in 2005, with a compelling mission: to expand financial access and help underserved communities worldwide thrive. Essentially, Kiva connects a global community of lenders with individuals and small businesses who lack access to traditional financial services.
At its core, Kiva operates as a crowdfunding platform for microloans. Here’s how it works: local “Field Partners”—which can include microfinance institutions, social enterprises, and other non-profit organizations—identify qualified entrepreneurs and post their loan requests on Kiva’s website. Consequently, individuals from around the world can browse these profiles and choose to lend as little as $25. Moreover, Kiva ensures that 100% of the money lent goes directly to funding these loans, as its operational costs are primarily covered by optional donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
Indeed, Kiva’s impact is far-reaching. Since its inception, it has facilitated billions of dollars in loans to millions of borrowers across more than 90 countries. Specifically, a significant portion of these loans goes to women entrepreneurs, empowering them to build businesses, pay for education, and invest in their families’ futures. Furthermore, Kiva addresses various needs, including support for refugees, climate-vulnerable communities, and systemically marginalized entrepreneurs in the United States, often offering 0% interest loans in the latter case.
Ultimately, Kiva’s innovative model democratizes lending, making it possible for everyday people to contribute to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment on a global scale. Therefore, by connecting lenders and borrowers directly, Kiva fosters a sense of personal connection and shared responsibility, proving that small investments can lead to profound and lasting change.
