A Kiva Update

For many of you  who have seen me speak at conferences, you may recall I dedicate my first presentation slide to a some type of social, word of mouth-worthy cause that deserves our collective attention. For a long period of time, my fave was Kiva.

Why? Partly because of its altruistic mission, party because of its micro-financing success and partly because it excites the donor just as much as the donee.

An article by San Jose Mercury news celebrating Kiva's 3rd year anniversary with some interesting stats:

- 98% of people get their money back
- eightfold growth in loaners and thirteen fold growth in total loan value over the last 18 months
- 333,000 people have loaned money to 59,000 loans worth $42 million
- Average loan size is now $475
- 751 teams currently exist to pool their money and loan together as a microcommunity

Now, word has it that Kiva is prepping to make loans to people located in the United States.

Kudos to Kiva - and hope they get some funding from AMEX members this week. Here is their blog to learn more and their site fo you to get involved and donate to end poverty.