A New Initiative: Micro-lending with Kiva

Dec 05, 2022

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We're excited to announce that we're launching a new sustainability initiative within Delaware, using the platform, Kiva. Kiva is an incredible platform that facilitates micro-lending to projects in developing countries, from individuals around the world.

Our Sustainability Working Group are focused on encouraging the #peopleofdelaware to get involved with Kiva and start investing in their projects, wherever they can.

About Kiva

What is Kiva?

Kiva is a platform that facilitates micro-lending to projects in developing countries, from individuals around the world. More than 1.4 billion people around the world are unbanked and cannot access the financial services they need. Kiva is an international nonprofit on a mission to change that.

They do this by improving the quality and cost of financial services and by unlocking capital through crowdfunding loans on Kiva.org.

For example, if someone needs the resources to start or develop a business, or funds to complete education, they are able to raise these funds via the platform.

How does Kiva work?

When someone invests in a project of their choice, the loan is repaid over time and the investor receives their money back. You can either choose to take your money out, or reinvest the money into another project. This is really beneficial to people who need the resources to develop their ideas and surroundings, and there is a 96% repayment rate.

How has Kiva helped people?

Kiva has successfully loaned $1.7 billion, helping people across the world with their needs and developing themselves.

Our mission
is to open financial opportunity to people around the world.

Sarah Marchal Murray, Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, Kiva

Delaware & Kiva

How does this initiative fit with Delaware UK’s
sustainability goals?

Sustainability isn’t just about Climate Action – in fact, that is just one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Clean Water and Sanitation are just three of the Sustainable Development Goals which we can support through projects facilitated by Kiva.

How are Delaware getting involved?

We are encouraging the #peopleofdelaware to get involved where they can to support Kiva's projects. On top of this, for the first month after launch, Delaware will match this investment up to a value of £50. Once that project has reached fruition, the money contributed by Delaware will be reinvested into other Kiva projects.

So far, we've been able to provide investment across the agricultural, retail and education sectors - and this is just the beginning!

Our goal is to build a long standing organisation with sustainability at the core of our ethos.
To achieve that, we will follow a multifaceted approach targeting carbon neutrality of our operations, contributing positively to surrounding communities and boosting the well-being of our employees by inviting them to constructive debate and equal engagement.

Ian Greenhalgh, Managing Partner, Delaware UK