Filed under: Brilliant Marketing Ideas In History
Every now and then you come across an idea that really blows you away and kiva.org is definitely one of those.
In essence, Kiva is an Interest Free, Bank Loan Charity …
If you go to the website, you will find literally thousands of people/small businesses [all located in the developing World] all requesting ‘loans’ for varying amounts so that they can build their individual businesses and ultimately get back control of their life and end up having a better, brighter future for themselves, their families, their communities and their country.
This ‘loan’ could be for any matter of things – from decorating their small family restaurant, to buying a well for their village so they can water their crops – however the really clever bit is that as your money is put to good use, the recipient starts to pay you back [all detailed on the website including the timeline for repayment] so in essence, you are making a massive difference to someone’s life and it costs you nothing!
If you want to help someone but can’t afford to cover the whole ‘loan’, you can donate just a portion of the money needed – so regardless of your budget/situation, you can still get involved.
I love this idea … I absolutely adore it … so please check it out and at the very least publicise it to the World because not only has it got the power to change the World one person at a time, it can ensure we won’t be subjected to anymore Live8 concerts or Bono banging his self-serving drum, which should be a good enough reason for anyone! 🙂
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They have a brilliant widget if you want to check out a free way of helping these guys out. I’m also going to be blogging a bit about this really terrific idea. Disintermediation does work.
Comment by Charles Frith January 21, 2008 @ 12:44 pmWhoops forgot the widget link.
http://www.kiva.org/about/banners/
Comment by Charles Frith January 21, 2008 @ 12:45 pmGreat idea. Really great.
Comment by Rob Mortimer January 21, 2008 @ 5:46 pmImagine starting a site like this focused on Iraq, the war will end in a year. I just hope this idea succeeds, though I suspect the World Bank isn’t going to be too thrilled by this.
Comment by Hari January 21, 2008 @ 9:19 pmThe world bank is responsible for a lot of the poverty in these parts of the world. Confessions of an economic hit man is a must read on that subject
Comment by Charles Frith January 21, 2008 @ 9:27 pmcareful Charles, you are sounding very close to Campbell and no one wants to see that happen.
Comment by Billy Whizz January 21, 2008 @ 10:55 pm