How to Make a Socially Responsible Investment Using Kiva

I like to make socially responsible investments. A long time ago, a friend told me that how much money you make is not important; what you do with your money is.

Kiva (kiva.org) allows anyone to invest small amounts of money to help people start businesses in developing countries.

In their own words,

"Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back."

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to www.kiva.org and follow the registration process to create a free account.

2. Review the home page to get an idea of some of the businesses that you may invest in.

3. To view businesses by region, click on the "Lend" button. Next, select a region from the "Region" drop-down menu. Regions include: North America, Central America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. A list of businesses appear. Select the business that interests you.

4. To view businesses by business type, click on the "Lend" button. Next, select a business type from the "Sector" drop-down menu. Sectors include: Agriculture, Services, Transportation, Clothing, Health, Retail, Manufacturing, Arts, Housing, Wholesale, Food, Construction, Education, Personal Use, and Entertainment. A list of businesses appear. Select the business that interests you.

5. Click on the "Lend" button.

6. Select the amount you want to donate from the drop-down menu.

7. Click on the "Add More Loans" button if you want to continue investing.

8. Click on the "Checkout" button to complete your investment.

9. Use PayPal or a credit card to make your investment.

10. Kiva charges you an additional 10% of your total investment for administrative fees. If you invest $100, then your total payment is $110. $100 is invested in the businesses you select and $10 goes to Kiva.