Kiva is a new way to think about alleviating worldwide poverty. It is not a charity; it’s a micro-lending program that connects lenders, usually individuals, with entrepreneurs in developing countries. With a loan repayment rate in excess of 95%, lenders can re-loan their funds to another entrepreneur, or take it back. It creates a way for people to use even a little of their money to make change after change as entrepreneurs learn to stand on their own feet.
In 2008, Christian Community invited everyone to contribute 10% of their economic stimulus tax rebate toward a fund to loan through Kiva. We are fortunate to have helped several people get businesses started around the world who otherwise would have had no means to work their way out of poverty. After loans are paid back, we are re-loaning funds to new entrepreneurs. Visit our lender page to see the life change of which we are a part.