Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

Kiva was born of the following beliefs:

• People are by nature generous, and will help others if given the opportunity to do so in a transparent, accountable way.
   
• The poor are highly motivated and can be very successful when given an opportunity.
   
• By connecting people we can create relationships beyond financial transactions, and build a global community expressing support and encouragement of one another.
   

Kiva promotes:

• Dignity: Kiva encourages partnership relationships as opposed to benefactor relationships. Partnership relationships are characterized by mutual dignity and respect.
   
• Accountability: Loans encourage more accountability than donations where repayment is not expected.
   
• Transparency: The Kiva website is an open platform where communication can flow freely around the world.
   

As of November 2009, Kiva has facilitated over $100 million in loans.