Micro Lending with Kiva
On Friday, I put my money where my mouth is and opened an account with micro-lender, Kiva. I only deposited $50.00 into my account initially, but plan to put away 10% of my earnings from each and every sale from my clay business both online and in person. I’ve already made 2 small loans – take a look at my member page here. I spent hours agonizing who to loan the money to, and ultimately decided to choose 2 women who were close to their goals and whose loans were the oldest.
Other than some embroiderers from South America, I didn’t really find any other craft/art people seeking loans. I am going to keep my eye out for future loans. I’ve also found a local charity that I plan to support, The Woman’s Bean Project, right here in Denver, CO. I know they do seek donations of bowls for their annual soup fund-raiser, but I’m also wondering if they might be interested in having someone introduce clay to their clients. I’ll let you know what I find out in the near future.
At any rate, I feel energized and raring to go. I’m going to spend most of this week in the studio finishing work for the Summer Art Market, though I did get some experimenting in the other day. I’ll have to share some photos in my next post.
Have a great day,
~Cynthia
LB
June 2, 2008 at 12:08 pm //
Looks like a good cause!
Mary Starosta
June 2, 2008 at 4:32 pm //
That is impressive! Way to think out side of the BOX!
Mary
Undaunted
June 2, 2008 at 5:38 pm //
It looks great. Do you think they’d lend me some cash?
Cynthia
June 2, 2008 at 10:40 pm //
I hope so, LB!
Mary
Hah – Undaunted – I don’t think the UK counts as a “developing” country, lol!
starkspots
June 3, 2008 at 5:02 am //
Sounds like a great way to give back!
Emily
June 3, 2008 at 8:43 am //
Cynthia, this is a beautiful idea. And it’s an idea where relatively small sums of money can have a relatively large impact. On the Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ), there is a great program called “Worldview.” They have had on many stories about micro lending. They have great that you can listen to online: http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/program_wv.aspx
Cynthia
June 3, 2008 at 8:58 am //
I hope so Ben!
Thanks for the link Emily – I’m going to have fun exploring Chicago Public Radio.
Heather
June 3, 2008 at 1:48 pm //
Yeah Kiva is a great ORG. When I had money I was loaning it out from my sales too, and I helped three different families, a little, but still if everyone helped a little we could move mountains and walk on water. I’m glad you are looking local for meaningful charities and programs to support. We got people in our own back yards that could use a Kiva system for Americans too. It don’t take much work to find that you can help out in your own area, like…we found out that our garden extras can be donated to a local hospice house and a homeless shelter. They will get all my extra food, and I am finding out about the local shelter in our town to see if some of the homeless kids might need a big sister. You know my Nana always told me growing up that good people do good things but they don’t go around talking about it. I think about how that is true in some ways…but in this day and age information is King, and how would many of us even know about such works and programs if we didn’t read about it in blogs or web sites? So, toot-toot that my horn and yours too…we should spread the word and share the work. It’s a big job, you know taking over the world and all. *Grins*
judi tavill
June 3, 2008 at 5:34 pm //
This is inspiring me… have to take the time to sit with it!!! definately a great idea!
I too have the whole “A New Earth” thing growing and churning, as well as “The Power of Now”…. so …great idea…
Cynthia
June 4, 2008 at 9:21 am //
That’s terrific, Heather – I think when you look at the big picture, we may not all have physical money to help other people out, but there are always something that you have that other could use whether it’s excess bounty from your garden or your unique talents.
Judi – I sat on it for about 6 months before acting on my impulse. I agree, I need to sit with something for awhile before acting.