description Kiva Overview
Kiva is a non-profit microfinance platform that allows people to lend money directly to entrepreneurs in developing countries. By providing small loans for starting businesses, Kiva helps individuals break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods. It uses a unique peer-to-peer lending model that empowers borrowers while giving lenders a direct connection to their impact.
balance Kiva Pros & Cons
- Direct impact on entrepreneurs
- Transparent lending process
- Wide variety of loans
- No financial return
- Risk of borrower default
help Kiva FAQ
Do I get paid interest on the money I lend through Kiva?
No, Kiva lenders do not earn interest on the funds they lend to borrowers. Kiva is a non-profit organization, and the loans are meant to provide affordable capital to underserved entrepreneurs, so lenders only receive their principal back over time.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a Kiva loan?
If a borrower defaults, you will lose the principal amount you lent, as Kiva does not guarantee repayment. However, Kiva boasts a historical repayment rate of over 96%, thanks to their network of local Field Partners who vet and support the borrowers.
Can I use a credit card to fund microloans on Kiva?
Yes, Kiva accepts major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard to fund your microloans, though they heavily encourage users to pay the optional 15% tip to cover the platform's operational costs. Using a credit card allows you to cycle rewards points into philanthropic funding.
How long does it take for a Kiva loan to be fully funded?
Because Kiva features a large, dedicated community of lenders, most loans are fully funded within hours of being posted to the website. Loans are pre-disbursed to local Field Partners before being listed, meaning the borrower receives the money even before you are charged.
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