• Off and running at DINARI and in the field…
• Another KF5 Checking In….
• Field Experience
• New Partner: Mujer y Sociedad
• Kiva.org
• What is Microfinance?

• Mobile Microfinance
• Food Crisis Taking A Toll on Microfinance Clients
• MICROCAPITAL STORY: United Bank for Africa Group Plc (UBA) of Nigerial Invests $25m to Establish Microfinance Subsidiary, UBA Microfinance Bank Limited
• Nicaragua Shows The World How To Fund Socially Responsible Ventures
• Two pictures
• Greetings from Guatemala

I read about the KivaB4B Program the other night and marveled at what an amazing initiative it was. What is the program?

Advanta empowers its cardholders (well over one million) to ‘double the impact’ of their Kiva loans. Anytime a lender uses their Advanta credit card (or the new KivaB4B card) to make a grant, Advanta will match it - dollar for dollar - up to $200 per month per account. Additionally, for every card that Kiva activates, the organization also receives $100 from Advanta. That helps keep the lights on.

This is a win for everyone. Advanta is seen as socially responsible and will likely increase new accounts. Kiva gets additional funding to help cover overhead expenses. Lenders on Kiva with Advanta credit cards have extra money to loan to entrepreneurs all over the world.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

When people learn about microfinance, one of the first questions they ask is “how can I help?” I was reading an article at the Microfinance Gateway called Open Up Your Virtual Wallet, where they compare two online lending platforms: Kiva.org and Microplace.

Although I personally use Kiva.org, I think that both platforms are a really easy and beneficial way to helping promote awareness about microfinance. Here is a quick highlight of what I personally think are the benefits to each:

• Whereas Kiva.org is a non-profit, Microplace earns it’s investors an interest. I think that this is extremely beneficial to microfinance because it opens up microfinance to a whole new demographic of people.
• Microplace is owned by Ebay. We all know the success that Ebay has had. With the ways that Ebay has changed online buying, I can’t wait to see what new innovative ways. Additionally, being a subsidiary of Ebay, Microplace will get world wide attention
• At Microplace, if a loan is defaulted, the security issuer bears the risk, so it is theoretically less risky than Kiva, so people who are hesitant or low on finances will feel more secure about donating with Microplace.

• Kiva allows you to get more involved with the loan recipient. The UI is really easy to browse, and you get a real sense of being a part of the solution.
• The fact that Kiva is a non-profit will spark more involvement around the world with people who are trying to make a difference and help alleviate poverty.
• Kiva is easier. With Kiva, all you have to have is a Paypal account and you can donate from anywhere in the world. Within finding a recipient, you can easily make the transaction within minutes.

Although there are differences in these two organizations they are both working for the same goal. Both are working towards a great cause, and whichever one you choose — know that you are part of the solution.

After seeing my announcement post, one of my college friends texted me “What is microfinance?” Since I know he is not the only one wondering, I’ll answer the question publicly with the definition from Wikipedia –

Microfinance refers to the provision of financial services to low-income clients, including the self-employed.^[1] The term also refers to the practice of sustainably delivering those services.

For those who want to understand the subject more completely, I’d suggest reading through the entire microfinance article on Wikipedia.

Since part of the goal here at myKRO.org is to bring together those passionate about microfinance from all over the world, we’ll regularly highlight interesting content relating to microfinance written elsewhere on the web. Here is the first batch of links to check out –

• A Personal SideBar from our Microfinance Conference
• Benin : Microfinance Benefits Over 700,000
• Micro Finance helping small entrepreneurs by Vince Stanzione
• Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (Part II)
• Corporate Social 2.0 - Social Responsibility and Microfinance