Experience with Kiva or the like?

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

Have you checked charitynavigator for ratings on each company? I'm a big fan of their ratings system, and when I was looking for a gig it was a great help in avoiding some of the more dysfunctional non-profits I could be working at.

I have for some other things, but Charity Navigator doesn't appear to track the micro lending sites either because of how they work or their age, I don't recall atm.

[lovelyivy84]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I have for some other things, but Charity Navigator doesn't appear to track the micro lending sites either because of how they work or their age, I don't recall atm.

That's unfortunate, but not too surprising. Kiva has a good reputation, although they have had a little trouble recently for not being 100% open about their loan policies. I was afraid it would sink them, but the bad publicity appears to have not been as bad as feared.

The microlending org I like is Grameen, unfortunately they don't do any real fundraising anymore (they did make a start two years ago, but due to some turmoil and turnover didn't really continue). Yunnus is the man, lol.

ETA: The Grameen foundation does raise funds, but not like Kiva does. Completely different structure- I wish they did do that at Grameen!

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

That's unfortunate, but not too surprising. Kiva has a good reputation, although they have had a little trouble recently for not being 100% open about their loan policies. I was afraid it would sink them, but the bad publicity appears to have not been as bad as feared.

The microlending org I like is Grameen, unfortunately they don't do any real fundraising anymore (they did make a start two years ago, but due to some turmoil and turnover didn't really continue). Yunnus is the man, lol.

ETA: The Grameen foundation does raise funds, but not like Kiva does. Completely different structure- I wish they did do that at Grameen!

Yeah honestly Kiva's process doesn't bother me, I think it bugs some people that "their money" isn't going to the recipients, but instead reimbursing/guaranteeing the partner company. The effect is the same either way and this gets money to people faster.

I'll have to look into Grameen

[ForeverRoses]

I just made my 20th Kiva loan last week. I haven't had any default, but I had one slow to repay- so I figure my odds are pretty good. I have yet to cash out anything, I just keep reinvesting.

on a side note, For Christmas last year my brother gave all the nieces & nephews $25 Kiva gift certificates. My oldest son (he's 8) and I went online to pick which loan he wanted to make. We told him he could cash out after the first loan was repaid, however he decided to reinvest it in his second loan- he checks the status of his loans more than I do and has even slipped his loan recipients into his bedtime prayers.