Mission:
To reduce poverty in developing countries by enabling entrepreneurs to build their businesses through flexible loans.

Background:
Matthew and Jessica Flannery were inspired to launch Kiva Microfunds in 2004 after spending several months working in rural Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and being impressed by the hundreds of small businesses started by the Village Enterprise Fund (VEF), where Jessica was a staff member. While some entrepreneurs had creative, well-developed plans to expand their businesses or start new ones, the one thing standing in their way was a lack of available capital. And while they were aware of microfinance institutions lending money to the working poor around the world, none of these institutions allowed individuals with average incomes to lend smaller amounts to specific individuals. In March 2005, Kiva — a Swahili word meaning "agreement" or "unity" — began to raise loans for seven businesses in Uganda. Since its founding, nearly 60,000 people have used Kiva's site to lend a total of $5.5 million to more than 8,500 entrepreneurs.

Outstanding Web Features:
Potential lenders can view and support entrepreneurs in need, which allows lenders to target specific businesses or industries, as well as by demonstrated payment history. The Journals area of the site features testimony from borrowers around the world, and allows lenders to recommend borrowers to other lenders. The get involved page offers information about the organization's fellows program, employment, and volunteer opportunities. Users new to the topic can learn how microfinance works step-by-step, while the field partners area provides links to Kiva microfinance partner institutions.