We enable people without access to traditional banks (including many women) to expand their businesses, educate their children, save for the future and raise themselves out of poverty. Through Kiva, a non-profit organisation working with microfinance institutions, you choose a borrower to support with a loan of just $25. Similar loans by other lenders are combined until the required total is reached. As your money is repaid you can withdraw it or lend it to someone else. Money that is loaned over and over again does more good than a one-time donation. Join 'Genealogists for Families' - together we are making a difference!

28 January 2020

How to turn off annoying emails and choose low-risk loans

Some of you may have seen today's Kiva team message from Gill, who is concerned about the possible negative impact of Kiva's promotional emails. I understand the point that Gill is making, but... please, people, do NOT quit Kiva...

If the emails annoy you, just turn them off!

I've explained this many times and in many places, but here are the details again.
  1. If Kiva's promotional emails include an 'unsubscribe' link, use it. Or...
  2. Sign in to Kiva, go to 'Settings' and then 'Email preferences', and un-tick 'News, inspiration and promotions'.
Also...

If you're unhappy with your repayment rate or delinquency rate, choose shorter loans, and loans that are lower risk. I've made 610 loans during the past 8 years, and my delinquency rate is only 0.71%. Yes, really!

Use this link to see a list of short-term, low-risk loans. Or...

To choose a borrower, use check boxes to filter the loans by any combination of criteria, including country, gender, groups or individuals, and sector (which often refers to the borrower's business - agriculture, arts, manufacturing, services etc). Use the 'Sort by' drop-down menu to display the loans in various ways. 'Loan length' sorts them with short-term loans at the top.

If you intend to search for similar loans in the future, set your filters and sort order, then create a bookmark in your browser.

At 'Risk rating', 'Delinquency' and 'Default', drag the circles left or right to set your preferred ranges. For example, if you are a cautious lender you might set the Risk rating at 3-5, Delinquency rate at 0%-5% and Default rate at 0%-1%.

This image shows some of the advanced settings in Kiva's 'classic view'; but you can switch to 'category view' if you wish.

Most of us 'recycle' our investment by relending the $25 each time it's repaid. By doing so, we have made a huge difference in the lives of many hard-working families who just needed a loan (not a handout). Please join us!
Posted by Judy Webster