In 2005, Kiva had a brilliant idea: crowdsource microlending to benefit people in developing countries.
In 2008, Karl Fisch had a brilliant idea: ask his online network to join a Kiva lending team.
In just the past week alone, Kiva has loaned more than $900,000 to over 2,000 borrowers. Since its inception, Kiva has loaned over $300 million to 765,000+ entrepreneurs in 60 different countries. The Shift Happens Kiva lending team that Karl started is doing its part. It now has 122 members who have made 762 loans totaling $22,775. The team is #6 all-time when it comes to enlisting new group members!
Today I’m asking you to do one of two things:
- If you’re already a Kiva member, please add yourself to the Shift Happens lending team.
- If you’re not already a Kiva member, please join Kiva, add yourself to the Shift Happens lending team, and make your first loan (it can be as small as $25!).
Can we make it to 150 team members? 200? 300? Can we get our loan totals up over $25,000? $30,000? $40,000? I bet we can.
Kiva is literally the gift that keeps on giving. When your loan is repaid, you can lend it right back out again and help someone else. Repayment rate is nearly 99%.
I know that money is tight for many right now. But just a small amount can go a long way when aggregated with others’ contributions. I just added a birthday check to my Kiva account and will do the same from my minuscule tax refund this year. I figure every little bit helps.
Thanks in advance for joining us. Thanks in advance for spreading this message (hint, hint).
