KIVA is an international non profit founded in 2005 and based in Sans Francisco with a vision to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.  By lending as little as $25, donors can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or realize their potential.  100% of every dollar goes to funding loans.
 
An update provided by Chair Ruth Mathieson and Chair Birgit Wartenberg shows that the Rotary Club of Belleville has given loans to 66 different countries.  The focus is on education and loans specifically to assist women to feed their families or pay for their education.  Overall, our club loaned $7,300 and $5,359 was repaid and re-invested.  Very impressive, supporting many ventures internationally such as primary/secondary school costs, renewable energy products, vehicle repairs, medical expenses, agriculture, dressmaking supplies, farm supplies, food stalls, transportation.  So little goes so far as you can see.  Great job by our International Service Committee.
 
It's a loan, not a donation. Lending alongside thousands of others is one of the most powerful and sustainable ways to create economic and social good. Lending on Kiva creates a partnership of mutual dignity and makes it easy to touch more lives with the same dollar. Fund a loan, get repaid, fund another.