Our Charity
A portion of FOR's profits will be donated to Kiva, a San Francisco-based non-profit that provides microfinance loans to people all over the world. We admire Kiva's mission and vision (described below) and are proud to work with Kiva in helping people start small enterprises that make it possible for them to support themselves and in turn create opportunities for others in their communities.
We have chosen Kiva to honor the supporters of FOR who believed in us and helped us launch - you know who you are. This is our way of "paying it forward." Also it is our way to say thank you to our readers, sponsors, partners, columnists and all who make it possible to publish this site and magazine. Please know that when you buy a subscription or partner with us or buy our research or a seat at a webinar or event, you are helping FOR to support small enterprises and families who are the wealthbuilders of tomorrow.
Each quarter we will post information on what Kiva projects we have funded so you can see exactly who has benefited and how.
More about Kiva
Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.
Since Kiva was founded in 2005:
624,708 Kiva lenders
$243 million in loans
98.86% Repayment rate
Kiva works with:
138 Field Partners
450 volunteers around the world
60 different countries
Why we do what we do
We envision a world where all people - even in the most remote areas of the globe - hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others.
We believe providing safe, affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives for themselves and their families.
How we do it
Making a loan on Kiva is so simple that you may not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes.
Kiva works with microfinance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. One hundred percent of your loan is sent to these microfinance institutions, which we call Field Partners, who administer the loans in the field.
Kiva relies on a world wide network of over 450 volunteers who work with our Field Partners, edit and translate borrower stories, and ensure the smooth operation of countless other Kiva programs.
How we're funded
100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes directly towards funding loans; Kiva does not take a cut. Furthermore, Kiva does not charge interest to our Field Partners, who administer the loans.
Kiva is primarily funded through the support of lenders making optional donations. We also raise funds through grants, corporate sponsors, and foundations.
We are incredibly thankful for the support that has enabled us to do the work that has touched the lives of so many people.
