The impact investing platform, Kiva (www.kiva.org), was designed to do just that. A U.S. non-profit that has lent over $1.7 billion to small businesses and individuals, Kiva investors crowdfund loans to entrepreneurs who often lack access to banking services. Loans typically cover the cost of buying a machine to increase food or textile production, supplies for expanding a small general store, or seeds for farmers.
Kiva was originally designed to benefit people in low-income countries but expanded to the U.S. in 2011. That means you can invest in a weaving coop of Indigenous women in Guatemala, or a mother of five in Atlanta hoping to expand her beauty products business.
The most important question is whether Kiva delivers positive impact and high-quality loans. The organization certainly engages in best practices for its industry. Kiva has garnered the highest rating (four out of four stars) from Charity Navigator. Kiva partners with grassroots organizations that often provide financial literacy and other services, helping borrowers avoid over-indebtedness. And Kiva carefully vets these partners. Many loans are also matched by foundations or banks.
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Determining the actual benefit of impact loans is tricky though; most impact investment firms point to their default rates and partner quality. Determining how many borrowers have improved their income, health, or education i
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