http://www.kiva.org/lender/michaelgallagher
Kiva is a network of entrepreneurs and lenders facilitated by (and transformed by) community. It is an ideal community (Gemeinschaft) in my mind as it is based on logic (need) and the social glue of philanthropy and the desire to do good. It incentivizes giving and encourages self-actualization. It a connection online to people I will never meet, yet feel entirely connected to.
Kiva’s mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty.
Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.
Pendo Luisi, 27 years old, borrowed $175 to open a cafe in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kiva was born of the following beliefs:
- People are by nature generous, and will help others if given the opportunity to do so in a transparent, accountable way.
- The poor are highly motivated and can be very successful when given an opportunity.
- By connecting people we can create relationships beyond financial transactions, and build a global community expressing support and encouragement of one another.