Kiva.org

[trumptman]

Kiva.org (http://www.kiva.org/app.php)

Here is your opportunity to directly aid the people in the developing world for as little as $25. I think it would really be neat if we selected a specific person to be aided within this thread, funded their loan and then tracked the results.

Anyone else here up for this?

Nick

[trick fall]

Trumpt, have you done the research on this group? How do you send money? I might be interested.

[trumptman]

From CNN (http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/17/pf/kiva_microfinance/index.htm)

Kiva, unlike some Wall Street funds investing in microfinance, isn't designed as an investment vehicle.

Lenders on Kiva can hope to get their loan repaid in full, but they don't get paid interest. The "return on investment" comes in the form of pictures and stories of a business idea moving from a concept to a (hopefully) money-making reality.

Using PayPal as an intermediary, lenders create an account at Kiva and can then browse through photos and business pitches from those seeking a loan.

Pitches from people like Charles Ekoju, who wanted $500 to buy eight bails of used clothing to sell out of his house.

Or Joseph Adongu, who got $500 to add better goats to his herd.

"That is now helping him support his family and pay school fees for his children," reads Adongu's monthly update on Kiva. "With large profit he gets, he is faithful in handling the loan and paying back promptly."

The lender, whose loan can be combined with others to meet the needs of a borrower, is credited through their PayPal account as the loan is paid back.

You don't make interest on the loan so we can't be said to be exploiting these folks. Instead we get pictures and updates about the way the money has made an actual difference.

Businessweek (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_31/b3995088.htm/)

The repayment and loan system all apparently works through Paypal and is done free of charge for all parties.

I really think it would be nice if we could all pitch in, fund say a $500 loan (perhaps even funded by AI/AN regulars exclusively) and then we could all share in the updates related to the loan.

Kiva 1 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=600)

Kiva 2 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=599)

Kiva 3 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=594)

Here are three examples of the types of loans I figured we could fund. I know we are talking about folks who appear to earn $3-10 U.S. dollars per day but the risk is shared as well.

Nick

Edit: The transactions occur via the Paypal site and you do not need a Paypal account. You can simply pay with a bank card that has a Visa/Mastercard logo or with a credit card.

[trumptman]

Update, I simply decided to fund the first $50 of the first Kiva loan. Business number 600. This loan amount is very small. I figure if it ends up fully funded, we can discuss and move on to others, but I find that action drives action.

Anyone else going to chip in?

Nick

[BRussell]

I don't think I have a paypal account, but I'll look into it How do you figure out which is number 600?

[trumptman]

Originally posted by BRussell
I don't think I have a paypal account, but I'll look into it How do you figure out which is number 600?

Simply click on the link above called Kiva 1.

Here it is again. Business number 600.


Kiva 1 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=600)

Nick

[BRussell]

OK. By the way, this is probably better than this. (http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63145) :p

[Chucker]

Just donated $25. $175 still needed.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by BRussell
OK. By the way, this is probably better than this. (http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63145) :p

Actually I did both. Now I can use the interest from the Prosper loans to fund a Kiva loan. Exploiting Americans to fund loans in Kenya. Is that worth anything in the Karma scale?

BTW, here is what the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4759122.stm) has to say about Kiva.org.

Nick

[trumptman]

Originally posted by Chucker
Just donated $25. $175 still needed.

Chucker rules.

Nick

[Chucker]

Why thank you. :)

[BR]

Sarah is now $25 closer to getting that new acreage.

[Chucker]

Awesome :)

[trumptman]

BR rules.

Nick

[melgross]

Originally posted by trumptman
Simply click on the link above called Kiva 1.

Here it is again. Business number 600.


Kiva 1 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=600)

Nick

This is to Sarah, I'm assuming?

I just popped $50 through my Paypal account. It's odd to see my account with the Kiva page surrounding it.

But the business number said 431.

[Chucker]

This really rockz. In a matter of hours, we have almost completely covered her.

[melgross]

Originally posted by BR
Sarah is now $25 closer to getting that new acreage.

I'm hoping that this isn't screwed up. My page with Sarah said that she needed the money to send her 5 kids to school!

Well, we'll see.

My wife, as an attorney for CitiCorp. work on these micro-loans for the UN. She was recently invited to a dinner there, as she is every year, on their behalf. Those loans work very well.

[trumptman]

Business #600, Sarah (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=600) is now fully funded. You guys are awesome.

Unfortunately, the evil chucker decided to fund loan number 601 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=601) and I couldn't let him have all the fun. I had to match it.

Could you guys please do me the favor of being...double awesome?

Nick

[trumptman]

Oh-oh... only half awesome at this point. Someone took their money back out of the basket.

Nick

[Chucker]

Not to be paranoid, but why does Sarah not show up as fully funded any more? $75 still needed, it says. Maybe just a matter of caching, though.

(edit) Ah, yes. The basket got smaller. Can someone explain this basket thing to me?

[Chucker]

It's back to fully funded now. On to 601 and 592, folks.

[melgross]

How can money be taken out/ The only way I can think of is if you agree to put money in, but then fail to follow through. I would imagine that the funding promise would be removed from the total.

Has everyone recieved the email from "staff@kiva.org"?

[Chucker]

Yeah, I have one "Thanks from Kiva" e-mail for each money transfer, (obviously) one "Receipt for Your Payment to Kiva" from PayPal for each, and then the obligatory "Welcome to Kiva".

[noah93]

Sounds like a neat way of helping people out.

I just sent the last $50 she needed.

Hi-5 to everyone who donated, I'm sure Sarah will appreciate it.

Noah

[trumptman]

Originally posted by melgross
How can money be taken out/ The only way I can think of is if you agree to put money in, but then fail to follow through. I would imagine that the funding promise would be removed from the total.

Has everyone recieved the email from "staff@kiva.org"?

I have and if you have, then you rule Melgross.

Nick

[melgross]

Lately, I haven't been getting acknowledgements from Ebay when I bid, or when I win, nor have I been getting reciepts from PayPal. But, my account works fine otherwise. They aren't too helpful.

[melgross]

Originally posted by trumptman
I have and if you have, then you rule Melgross.

Nick

These are small enough numbers. Everyone can afford something.

This is an interesting way to do this. My wife handles vast amounts of money in the UN program, but this helps too.

[Chucker]

I've never really had problems with PayPal. Sometimes I prefer moneybookers because of lower fees, but both services have been reliable for me. I haven't lost any money due to them.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by noah93
Sounds like a neat way of helping people out.

I just sent the last $50 she needed.

Hi-5 to everyone who donated, I'm sure Sarah will appreciate it.

Noah

Noah, I just decided to name my son after you for your fantastic donation. I mean sure he was born 6 years ago and was named that, but really.. it was after you.

Nick

[groverat]

Grace just got $75.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by groverat
Grace just got $75.

Groverat is awesome and rules.

Nick


^^^^^^^^^^^

You can put that in your sig.;)

[709]

Originally posted by Chucker
(edit) Ah, yes. The basket got smaller. Can someone explain this basket thing to me? Damn these cross-forum threads. ;)

Anyways, I'd assume that it's just accounting a 'promise'...that is, when I registered for an account with Sarah in mind I went poking around a bit before I donated. Maybe it's seeing that gift (and potential others) as the 'basket'.

Regardless, Sarah is set. So on to #601. :)

[Chucker]

#601 is done.

[709]

Holy christ. :wow: That was quick. Well done all. :)

[BR]

Originally posted by melgross
I'm hoping that this isn't screwed up. My page with Sarah said that she needed the money to send her 5 kids to school!

Well, we'll see.

My wife, as an attorney for CitiCorp. work on these micro-loans for the UN. She was recently invited to a dinner there, as she is every year, on their behalf. Those loans work very well.
Well, it's to send the 5 kids to school by increasing her acreage so she can sell more vegetables and tea. Anyway, freaking awesome people! May the weather treat her better than it's treating us here on the West Coast!

[Chucker]

$25 to 588 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=588); $200 left.

[noah93]

Let's keep this going guys!
I just topped off the last $50 for #601.

As for those of you reading this, please take action, and donate, even $25 can make a big difference to these people, and all of it goes to helping people in 3rd world countries support themselves. Come on!

Noah

[trumptman]

Originally posted by BR
Well, it's to send the 5 kids to school by increasing her acreage so she can sell more vegetables and tea. Anyway, freaking awesome people! May the weather treat her better than it's treating us here on the West Coast!

I suspect the people helping them with the ads don't have top-notch English, but that really shouldn't be the point as you noted.

Nick

[groverat]

Rose just got $75.

I need to turn my computer off before I deplete my bank account.

[trumptman]

I had to match our mighty moderator.

I might need to turn my computer off too.;)

Do we dare dream of three loans funded?

Nick

[Chucker]

$50 left. :wow:

[melgross]

Well, now, after this, we should sit back and think of more of a plan. Perhaps we would want to look at specific needs, rather than to just give in some numerical order.

[noah93]

Originally posted by trumptman
Do we dare dream of three loans funded?


Yes we dare, I jost topped Rose off $50, I think I'll shut my computer down too know, before I go broke.

Way to go!

Noah

[Chucker]

588 is done.

I think melgross has a point.

[trumptman]

I think I'm...crying.

You guys are awesome.

I invite melgross to screen the next candidate and post his or her business number for solicitations.

Nick

[groverat]

So far we've helped knock out 588, 600, and 601. Keep it going, guys.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by melgross
Well, now, after this, we should sit back and think of more of a plan. Perhaps we would want to look at specific needs, rather than to just give in some numerical order.

I didn't go by numbers; I started with trumptman's suggestion of 600. The fact that I picked 601 after that was mere coincidence; I stumbled upon that one and only noticed the sequence afterwards.

I look at their stories and how compelling they are, plus whether the amount of money requested/required seems reasonable.

[groverat]

Originally posted by trumptman
I think I'm...crying.

I know I am and I have to stop doing this for tonight. I really don't want to feel good about this or even think about it. It's kind of like I'm repaying a debt I never knew I owed. It feels more like penance than charity.

[Chucker]

Don't forget that you'll most likely get the money back. The site claims:
Microfinance loans worldwide are generating repayment rates of 97% (UNCDF: Basic Facts About Microfinance). To date, Kiva’s repayment rate is 100%.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by Chucker
Don't forget that you'll most likely get the money back. The site claims:

That just means we can loan it out again.

Nick

[Chucker]

Originally posted by trumptman
That just means we can loan it out again.

Right, but you can also choose to withdraw it, as I understand it.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by Chucker
Right, but you can also choose to withdraw it, as I understand it.

You can, but in the 18-24, however many months that takes, you can probably learn to leave it set aside to do some permanent good.

Nick

[Chucker]

Fair enough. A much better system than donations either way.

[melgross]

Originally posted by trumptman
I think I'm...crying.

You guys are awesome.

I invite melgross to screen the next candidate and post his or her business number for solicitations.

Nick

I assume that we aren't going away. It's a bit late to start making these kind of judgements for me. If it's all right, I'd like to start looking tomorrow.

But, does anyone have any ideas as to just what we should be considering? I don't want to be saying to everyone what we should be looking for.

But, my thought was that we should possibly consider specific problems. This is all very difficult.

What I don't want to do is to give out a couple of hundred, in the next day or two, and then sit back, and forget all about it. But, realistically, we can't keep doing this on too much of a regular basis either.

So, perhaps we should discuss some issues we have found on the site, and decide how we will be doing it, and how often.

I don't invest willy nilly, and while this isn't actually an investment, we aren't a bank that has vast funding either.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by melgross
I assume that we aren't going away. It's a bit late to start making these kind of judgements for me. If it's all right, I'd like to start looking tomorrow.

But, does anyone have any ideas as to just what we should be considering? I don't want to be saying to everyone what we should be looking for.

But, my thought was that we should possibly consider specific problems. This is all very difficult.

What I don't want to do is to give out a couple of hundred, in the next day or two, and then sit back, and forget all about it. But, realistically, we can't keep doing this on too much of a regular basis either.

So, perhaps we should discuss some issues we have found on the site, and decide how we will be doing it, and how often.

I don't invest willy nilly, and while this isn't actually an investment, we aren't a bank that has vast funding either.

The only criteria I used were the loan amounts, and the fact that they had 0% funding. I simply figured it would be neat if we could, as a group fully fund the loans, be able to link to and reply in the journals related to those loans, and then be able to share the results.

Perhaps from here we could try a chain where someone tries to get a loan funded in another forum type, using this thread as an example. Then the thread from that forum could be posted here as a link and proof that the goodwill has created more goodwill.

I'm open to other suggestions as well and have simply tossed these out to be helpful.

I also know we have some very well-educated professors on here who can help.

Nick

[melgross]

Originally posted by trumptman
The only criteria I used were the loan amounts, and the fact that they had 0% funding. I simply figured it would be neat if we could, as a group fully fund the loans, be able to link to and reply in the journals related to those loans, and then be able to share the results.

Perhaps from here we could try a chain where someone tries to get a loan funded in another forum type, using this thread as an example. Then the thread from that forum could be posted here as a link and proof that the goodwill has created more goodwill.

I'm open to other suggestions as well and have simply tossed these out to be helpful.

I also know we have some very well-educated professors on here who can help.

Nick

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "another forum type". Are you saying that there are, or could be, other threads about this elsewhere? Because that does seem possible. Are you suggesting that we should look them up, possibly on Google, and connect with them?

[trick fall]

Ok, so I'm away for the computer for a few measly hours and you guys do all the good deeds. :D Well I couldn't let that happen so I randomly picked someone to kick out some cash to, but I will check the thread to see the next person picked and am down for another 25.00

[trumptman]

Originally posted by melgross
I'm not sure I know what you mean by "another forum type". Are you saying that there are, or could be, other threads about this elsewhere? Because that does seem possible. Are you suggesting that we should look them up, possibly on Google, and connect with them?

I simply meant that people that enjoy posting in forums seldom post in just one. They often belong to other forums that reflect their other hobbies. A Mac user might also belong to say a Final Cut Pro forum, a Photoshop user forum, or something of that nature. I belong to a couple RV and camping forums, a couple stock boards, and ahem, a fitness forum for when I decide to get off my butt.

Your suggestion might be good as well. It isn't like I have any expertise and my view is anything that increases awareness and leads to more funded loans is good in my book.

Originally posted by trick fall
Ok, so I'm away for the computer for a few measly hours and you guys do all the good deeds. :D Well I couldn't let that happen so I randomly picked someone to kick out some cash to, but I will check the thread to see the next person picked and am down for another 25.00

Trick, it appears that someone pledged $25 to Grace, loan 601 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=601) put it in her basket, and then either couldn't or didn't follow up. So her loan is now $25 from fully funding. If you want to chip in there, I think that would be great.

At Applenova (http://forums.applenova.com/showthread.php?t=18187&page=2) a request went out for loan number 592. (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=592) If you feel compelled you can help fund that loan. You might also post it and information about Kiva in other places you frequent. If you want to post the links to the other places in this thread or reference this thread in other places that probably would be cool.

Nick

[e1618978]

Originally posted by trumptman
Trick, it appears that someone pledged $25 to Grace, loan 601 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=601) put it in her basket, and then either couldn't or didn't follow up. So her loan is now $25 from fully funding.

I topped up the loan to Grace - I am a little worried that these loans keep on getting to the top and dropping back down again when there does not seem to be a way to cancel payments.

Anyway, hopefully it is not a scam that captures paypal passwords...

[Chucker]

Originally posted by e1618978
Anyway, hopefully it is not a scam that captures paypal passwords...

PayPal doesn't hand out any account info. All the recipient sees is an e-mail address, and some related statistics.

[Alex London]

I read this thread this morning and was inspired and moved by it all so I've joined up and found someone with only 5% funded so far, hopefully my little $50 will help things along a bit. I think that this is a really positive development for the future, thanks to Nick for the heads-up.

[sammi jo]

It looks good, and it has great intentions.

What is the potential for this charity to evolve (devolve) into yet another scam?

Everything of benevolent intent is susceptible to the gnarlier side effects of capitalism, unless there is 100% openness and accountability.

Someone will find a method, a loophole, a way to skim; they always do, because human beings are like that.

How is Kiva set up to counter the worst aspects of human nature?

[trumptman]

Originally posted by sammi jo
It looks good, and it has great intentions.

What is the potential for this charity to evolve (devolve) into yet another scam?

Well I think the one thing that seriously limits the ability to scam is the fact that you aren't donating to a charity, you are a microlender.

Everything of benevolent intent is susceptible to the gnarlier side effects of capitalism, unless there is 100% openness and accountability.

Agreed. When you fund a loan here, you are shown your portfolio of loans, their amounts repaid and the parties to whom you loaned them.

Here is mine in the interest of openness.

http://mysite.verizon.net/trumptman/hostedfiles/portfolio.png

Someone will find a method, a loophole, a way to skim; they always do, because human beings are like that.

Well the alternative is simply to be cynical and never offer to help in any fashion. Perhaps Grace's husband might not take well to her business attempt. Perhaps he will beat her, sell off the vegetables and simply drink away the profits. That is entirely possible. There would be no recourse to those loaned the money, that is true. Kiva does work with partner organizations that do the vetting and are supposed to know the lay of the land, so to speak. Perhaps the Women's Economic Empowerment Consort is nothing but a con. But I think I would rather get conned for $25 than by cynical for a lifetime.

Also my stated intent is to simply keep reloaning out this money as it is repaid and add more to loan later. So if the loans default, they don't just hurt me. They hurt the next person who would have gotten that loan, and the next.

How is Kiva set up to counter the worst aspects of human nature?

I think the set up of microfinance and loans helps avoid corruption. It might be possible to defraud thousands out of a few bucks, but it is an awful lot of work and a ton of goodwill burned through for very little return.

Nick

[trumptman]

Also just to update, loan 592 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=592) is still not funded. It is still in need of around $400 to fund.

Nick

[trick fall]

I never got a chance to do anything the other day so I just kicked out a few bucks for 592.

Sammi,

Instead of trying to depress us why not for once take a chance and assume the best of man and shell out a couple of bucks?

[groverat]

Originally posted by trumptman
But I think I would rather get conned for $25 than by cynical for a lifetime.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. AMEN!
In all honesty they can just keep it. Reinvest that in your business or your home or your childrens' edcuation. I don't really care, because all I'm going to do with any of this is loan it straight back out.

Mary Wambui (#606) got $50.

[trumptman]

You guys rule. Who knew men could ever get so excited about something with the word micro in the title.:devil: :lol:

So Sammi, who gets your $25? You can't let us have all the fun now.

Nick

[sammi jo]

Sammi,

Instead of trying to depress us why not for once take a chance and assume the best of man and shell out a couple of bucks?

Just being the realist, apologies. I've donated to far dodgier organizations than what this appears to be. Re. standard charities, to discover that 50%+ of donations go into furnishing 7 figure salaries to executives and other expenses that are non-congruent with "charitable work", one gets skeptical, and puts one off donating. Yes I realize that this isn't a "charity" as such; I was just wondering about how the trust inherent in such a scheme could be violated.

[trick fall]

The negative will always be there if you try to find it, but so will the positive.

[trumptman]

Originally posted by groverat
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. AMEN!
In all honesty they can just keep it. Reinvest that in your business or your home or your childrens' edcuation. I don't really care, because all I'm going to do with any of this is loan it straight back out.

Mary Wambui (#606) got $50.

Congrats Grove, the loan you helped finance is now fully funded. Please keep us updated on how the loan works out.

Loan 592 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=592) is still $225 away from funding. We can still have parties come together to help and share this loan.

Nick

[Cake]

Looks like someone topped off 592 with $50 after I put my 50 in. Nice! :)

[Fellowship]

Originally posted by trumptman
Also just to update, loan 592 (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=592) is still not funded. It is still in need of around $400 to fund.

Nick

Funded completely!

I could not pass up the last $50 of her loan.

Thank you all for the best thread and subject here at Appleinsider in a long long time if not the best!

Nick great job buddy with this!

Thanks again for the pm as I had not seen this thread.

Fellowship

[Fellowship]

Originally posted by trick fall
The negative will always be there if you try to find it, but so will the positive.


I agree completely and I would also say,,

Even if there were a few scams within the bunch it would not stop me from wanting the best for those who are honest and good people trying hard to do the right thing for themselves and their family.

I have been blessed and continue to be blessed in my life and if I have the chance to invest in others lives the way people have invested in my life I will jump to it no questions asked.

Many in my life had faith in me and risked financial and time resources into my life and a harvest was captured and continues to be captured. Again let me stress not solely due to my efforts but with "the help of others".


This thread is about "the help of others" being joined up with the efforts of the individuals at hand in their given situation so that the faith shared between them and we the "others" may manifest a harvest of great size and blessing.


Why do nothing but simply store up blessings

I ask of you,,,

Share the blessing.

Fellows

[Chucker]

This is working out great. :)

[trumptman]

Originally posted by Fellowship
Funded completely!

I could not pass up the last $50 of her loan.

Thank you all for the best thread and subject here at Appleinsider in a long long time if not the best!

Nick great job buddy with this!

Thanks again for the pm as I had not seen this thread.

Fellowship

You are welcome, and thanks for helping fund a loan. I noticed you have a new addition to your sig as well.

Over at that other place we all know about, a user named Lurch has given to loan 621 (http://kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=621) and it is still lacking some funding if anyone still feels compelled to help.

Finally anyone have some links to places where they have posted about Kiva and gotten any response? It would be neat to see a good idea spreading around.

Nick

[trick fall]

Just got a notice that one of the people I loaned money too has made their first repayment. Pretty cool.......

[rufusswan]

Trumpt,

Could you possibly recap what has been Kiva'ed by AI posters up to this point? {said the lazy man}

I think it would be more than cool if, as some sort of group/team, that we could monitor a given set of loans for the longer term and report to the blogworld that loans have been made, and repaid.

Having worked for professional fund raising groups before, I can assure folks like Sammi that most of all donations are not getting into the hands that need it. Micro loans are designed to eliminate that type of theft. {Rest assured that I have cleansed my soul of any taint induced by my slightly immoral/ammoral work activity}

Long term success of a micro loan is one of the goals, I would hope that it can be reported here.

P.S. I would also like to donate!

Paz

[Fellowship]

Polite Bump as I came across this today.

I thought it was noteworthy.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0610140237oct14,1,3952805.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

Fellowship

[Placebo]

I don't think I've ever seen a better way of trying to solve poverty.

[trumptman]

Time for the Kiva remix track.

Rose (http://kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=588) has already begun paying back her loan.

The other two loans ended up not being processed due to some hold up with the partner organizations. I have $75 within my Kiva account to loan out due to these two loans not being processed.

Has anyone else started receiving repayment information related to different loans?

I know several parties here went in on the two loans that ended up not funding. Does anyone want to suggest another party to which we could pool our Kiva funds?

Nick

[trick fall]

One of my loans was just disbursed, but the other has already made two payments.

[xdaniel]

I believe I heard a story on NPR recently about Micro-Loans. I am very interested in participating in this and think it is a terrific idea.

[trumptman]

MIcrocredit (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061025/en_afp/nobelpeacebangladesh)

Nick

[BRussell]

OK, so Nick the Republican and BRussell the Democrat had a bet on the election, and since I won the bet (woohoo!) Nick has to give $100 to Kiva. I'll let him pick his client(s) and then post here.

[trumptman]

Actually upon examination, I discovered that wouldn't be nearly so fun.

I learned something cool about Kiva and cool for those of you looking for Christmas/Holiday gifts.

You can go to Kiva.org and purchase a gift card. (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=gift&action=giftPromotion)

BRussell has been sent a PM that will allow him to redeem his gift card and loan the money associated with it out.

As the money is paid back, he can loan it out again and again. It really is a gift that keeps on giving.

Congrats on the election call BRussell. Your snooty high-falootin' polls beat out my ESP and then some.

As an update, the loan to Rose (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=588) was completed and she has already made two payments on it.

Because two of the loans did not go through, I have the money associated with them still available to loan. BRussell can post who he has loaned to here and, assuming the loans are still open, I'll add the same amount to the loan he does.

Nick

[Fellowship]

Actually upon examination, I discovered that wouldn't be nearly so fun.

I learned something cool about Kiva and cool for those of you looking for Christmas/Holiday gifts.

You can go to Kiva.org and purchase a gift card. (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=gift&action=giftPromotion)

BRussell has been sent a PM that will allow him to redeem his gift card and loan the money associated with it out.

As the money is paid back, he can loan it out again and again. It really is a gift that keeps on giving.

Congrats on the election call BRussell. Your snooty high-falootin' polls beat out my ESP and then some.

As an update, the loan to Rose (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=588) was completed and she has already made two payments on it.

Because two of the loans did not go through, I have the money associated with them still available to loan. BRussell can post who he has loaned to here and, assuming the loans are still open, I'll add the same amount to the loan he does.

Nick


I love this place because of guys like you... and I just received a PM from an old friend of mine and ours and it has blessed the socks off of me and made me a little emotional.

God Bless you all....

Fellowship

[hardeeharhar]

You are a good man, Nick.

[Hassan i Sabbah]

I just discovered this thread.

[Chucker]

OK, so Nick the Republican and BRussell the Democrat had a bet on the election, and since I won the bet (woohoo!) Nick has to give $100 to Kiva. I'll let him pick his client(s) and then post here.

Très cool!

[Chucker]

FWIW:

$150 total, $25 each

588: begun August 13, $5.56 paid back
600: cancelled, nothing paid back yet
601: cancelled, nothing paid back yet
823: begun October 09, $1.40 paid back
834: no start date set
847: no start date set

[BRussell]

OK, so I got the $100 gift card from Nick and I've put it in the following:

1558 (http://kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1558), 1620 (http://kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1620), and 1622 (http://kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1622). I gave kiva the requested donations of 10% ($2.50 for each of the $25 loans), but then I couldn't give a 4th loan because I only had $20 left, so I just donated that to kiva as well.

[trumptman]

BRussell rocks. I gave $25 to those three loans as well.

Chucker double rocks just because he updates regarding his loans.

Nick

[groverat]

Christmas is coming, people. Let's do some good with that money you have earmarked for iPods.

[trumptman]

CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/12/10/nobel.awards.ap/index.html)

"We must address the root causes of terrorism to end it for all time," he said. "I believe putting resources into improving the lives of poor people is a better strategy than spending it on guns."

Pick some loans people.

Nick

[trumptman]

A little self-conversation perhaps, but just thought I would toss out a Kiva update.

Loan 588 is 66% repaid (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=588)

Loan 1558 is 16% repaid (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1558)

Loan 1620 is 25% repaid (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1620)

Loan 1622 is 8% repaid (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1622)

The latter three loans were started later and thus are not as far along in terms of repayment.

There was a thread recently in PO where illegal immigration was discussed. Many parties concurred that regardless of where you stand in the political spectrum, investment in Mexico would be a good thing.

So I conveniently have three loans that need funding from... tada Mexico.

Leobardo Camacho (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=5270)

Maricela Ruiz (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=5273)

Juana Reyna (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=5274)

If you decide to loan to these or any other loans, please share here. Those tax returns are coming in. Kiva has this to say about repayment.

So far, Kiva has experienced a 100% repayment rate on all businesses with completed loan terms.

Nick

[trumptman]

Just thought I would share that two of my Kiva.org loans have been fully repaid and thus the funds are available to lend out again.

Rose Mbabazi (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=588)

Maria Aguas (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=1620)

This means I now have $100.00 of Kiva credit to reloan. I'll use it to match the first four seperate loans that different people here contribute to at Kiva. If you really enjoy being cruel to me someone can fund $100 of loans themselves (spread across multiple loans if they so choose) and I'll toss in another $100 to match it.

What say you fellow Appleinsiders and Mac users?

$100 to match four $25 contributions from four different (hopefully new) people.

$100 to match the $100 worth of contributions from one person in whatever loans they desire.

Nick

[trumptman]

Wow!

Due to a recent surge in support ignited by viewers of the Oprah Winfrey Show and readers of President Clinton's newly released book Giving, there is currently a shortage of businesses in need of loans. The Kiva.org staff and our Field Partners are working overtime to get more businesses on the website. In the meantime, thank you for your patience!

Nick

[trick fall]

That's crazy, I haven't really had time to reply, but I have a loan that was repaid and I need to find a new loan for and my other loan has been making timely payments.

[Fellowship]

WOW I wondered what the book was about..

That is cook Nick.

Fellows

[trumptman]

I have had three loans repaid and today I decided to reinvest the $75 back into three loans. One of them fully funded but I submit the other two for your consideration.

Julio (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=54354)
Fatmeh Group (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=54820)
Fatimakhon (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=52533)

I'll match $100 to four new contributors to Kiva.org. You join and contribute $25 toward a loan and I'll match the first four people between here and Applenova.

Here is my lender page (http://www.kiva.org/lender/nicholas8469) if you want to view the performance of past and present loans. As you can see, I've been recycling funds paid back to new loans. If any of you have lender pages or updates please let us know.

Give it up folks.

[Fellowship]

I have had three loans repaid and today I decided to reinvest the $75 back into three loans. One of them fully funded but I submit the other two for your consideration.

Julio (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=54354)
Fatmeh Group (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=54820)
Fatimakhon (http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=52533)

I'll match $100 to four new contributors to Kiva.org. You join and contribute $25 toward a loan and I'll match the first four people between here and Applenova.

Here is my lender page (http://www.kiva.org/lender/nicholas8469) if you want to view the performance of past and present loans. As you can see, I've been recycling funds paid back to new loans. If any of you have lender pages or updates please let us know.

Give it up folks.

Cool stuff,,,

Look at this Nick,,,

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/02/hunger.house/index.html

Just amazing...

Fellows

[trumptman]

Cool stuff,,,

Look at this Nick,,,

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/02/hunger.house/index.html

Just amazing...

Fellows

Those parents are teaching their children an incredibly stupid lesson and are selling their biggest asset in order to teach that mistake.

I said to my dad, 'If that guy didn't have such a nice car, then that guy could have a nice meal,' " the 15-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, recalled.

Wealth is created. The car and meal are not linked in any fashion.

Sorry that you and I don't see eye to eye on this Fellowship.

[Fellowship]

Those parents are teaching their children an incredibly stupid lesson and are selling their biggest asset in order to teach that mistake.

I said to my dad, 'If that guy didn't have such a nice car, then that guy could have a nice meal,' " the 15-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, recalled.

Wealth is created. The car and meal are not linked in any fashion.

Sorry that you and I don't see eye to eye on this Fellowship.

Nick you don't have to see eye to eye with anything I submit for consideration.

I think the story shows a family that "realized" they don't really need as much materialism to support a healthy lifestyle. So the idea they came to is one to share the blessings they have been given with others who are less fortunate.

It really is a rare thing to see in our modern selfish me! me! me! culture..

And I say this as a person who is just as guilty as the next. I am not preaching I am just standing here looking at what this family is doing and it is very inspiring to see a family that shares their blessings.

I think this is the kind of thing society needs to see more of...

People who help others instead of vain television reality shows which are nothing more than vanity, greed, lust and me! me! me!.

Fellows