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Donations

How can I tell if my donation was matched?

Donations to Kiva of any amount made on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2019 will be matched by our sponsors until matching funds run out. Unfortunately the match won't show up in your account, but we'll send a follow up email on December 4 confirming your donation was matched directly in our operating funds.

What’s the difference between loans and donations?

Lending and donating on Kiva are distinct actions which are easy to confuse.

To clarify, loans are made to borrowers, while donations are made to our operating expenses. When you lend to a borrower, your loans are not tax-deductible. Our hope is that all Kiva loans will be repaid so you can use your funds to lend again.

When you make a donation to Kiva, you're helping cover the costs of running the website and allowing our nonprofit to continue providing loans around the world. Donations, unlike loans, are one-time gifts that don't return to you, but are eligible for a tax-deduction in the U.S.

Please note that when you lend you're also given the opportunity to make a donation to Kiva in addition to your loan. You can also donate to Kiva at any time here.

How does Kiva use donations?

Kiva's staff and volunteers work hard to ensure every dollar donated to Kiva is used efficiently. Today, for every $1 donated, the site raises over $8 in loans!

Donations support a variety of programs:

--Sending expert staff to over 80 countries to perform due diligence and monitoring.
--Building and maintaining the complex technical infrastructure that facilitates over $1M in loans each week.
--Training and supporting over 400 volunteers annually who translate and edit every loan posted on the Kiva website.
--Answering thousands of support emails and phone calls per month.

If you live in the United States, your donation is eligible for a tax deduction. To learn more about how Kiva puts donations to use, please review our page on Charity Navigator.

Kiva Cards

How do I purchase a Kiva Card?

You can purchase a Kiva Card by clicking here.

On this page select the delivery method, value and quantity of the Kiva Cards you want to buy. Once you've done that and agreed to the terms and conditions, including the 12 month lending period with a conversion to donation afterward, add the card to your basket by clicking "Add to Basket" or "Add to Basket and Checkout". To begin the checkout process click "Basket" at the top of the page.

Upon completion of your purchase, you'll be directed to an order confirmation page and also receive an emailed receipt. You can view and/or print the Kiva Cards you've purchased at any time by signing into your Kiva account and going to: kiva.org/portfolio/kiva-cards

Does Kiva mail physical Kiva Cards?

When you purchase a Kiva Card, you can choose a delivery method. There are options to print it out yourself, or have it emailed or sent by postal mail directly to the recipient, if they live within the U.S.

If you select the postal mail delivery method, a physical Kiva Card will be mailed to the recipient at the address you provide. To purchase a Kiva Card to be delivered by mail, please go to: kiva.org/gifts/kiva-cards#/postal

If I order a Kiva Card to be mailed to me, how long should it take?

Kiva Cards take 7-10 business days to be shipped after being ordered. We unfortunately do not have tracking available but if you ordered your Kiva Card more than 10 business days ago, please email contactus@kiva.org and we can request a re-shipment of your Kiva Card.

How do I redeem my Kiva Card?

To use your Kiva Card, go to: kiva.org/redeem

On this page you'll see a box where you can enter the card's gift code and click "Apply." Once you've entered the code, click the blue "Get Started, Find a Loan" button to find a list of all loans in need of support. When you find a loan that interests you, add it to your basket by clicking the blue "Lend $25" button. When you're ready to checkout click "Basket" at the top of the page. This will begin the checkout process.

In order to use a Kiva Card you will need to sign up for a Kiva account if you don't already have one. Please also note that if your total exceeds the amount on your Kiva Card, you'll be directed to PayPal to pay for the difference between the total due and the amount of your Kiva Card. Upon completion of your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page on Kiva's website. You will also receive an emailed receipt for your purchase.

Why am I getting the message my Kiva Card has already been redeemed?

Kiva Cards don’t have a cash value so as a result, can’t be deposited into your account for later use. That is why the funds from your Kiva Card won’t show up in your Kiva credit noted at the top of the page. However, if you are logged into your existing Kiva account and have applied the code from your Kiva Card at kiva.org/redeem, the funds will be applied after you choose a loan and reach the Basket page during checkout.

Please note that if you do not apply the total amount of your Kiva Card toward loans at the time you redeem it, the remaining amount on your Kiva Card will be reflected in your total Kiva credit. However, in order to redeem it, you will need to make at least one $25 loan. Any remaining funds deposited in your Kiva account also can’t be withdrawn without first being lent to a borrower.

Kiva Store

What is the Kiva Store?

The Kiva Store is a partnership between Kiva and Kiva’s Field Partner NOVICA, a mission-driven company that works with artisans around the world. Through the Kiva Store, people can purchase products made by artisans around the world (many of which are Kiva borrowers) as well as Kiva-branded gear.

The store is powered by NOVICA, which means all payment processing and product fulfillment is handled by NOVICA. Kiva is highly involved with product development, product packaging and messages.

Visit the Kiva Store at: store.kiva.org

I have a question about the Kiva Store or my order. Who do I contact?

The Kiva Store is powered by our Field Partner NOVICA, so all questions about the Kiva Store or your orders with the store should be directed to their support team via this contact form: store.kiva.org/contact-us

You can also find a list of commonly asked questions in the Kiva Store FAQ section.

Sorry we can't be of more direct help!

Matching

What is loan matching?

Loan matching is a feature that allows the loan you make on Kiva to be matched by an individual or larger organization that has set up a loan matching fund.

If you lend $25 to a borrower whose loan is being matched, the matcher will lend $25 to that borrower as well. Matchers may match all Kiva loans or just a particular type of loans (loans in a certain area, through a particular Field Partner, to a particular type of borrower, etc.).

To find loans that are eligible for matching, look for a x2 icon on the loan, or search for these loans using this direct link.

How does loan matching work?

Loans marked with a "x2" icon on Kiva's website will be eligible for matching funds from our sponsors, which means that if you lend $25 to that borrower, a fund set up by the loan matcher will also lend $25 to that borrower -- essentially doubling the contribution made to that loan and helping it reach its goal. Repayments on the matched amount, however, will return to the sponsor not to your Kiva account.

Please note, while loans with a "x2" icon on them should be matched by a sponsor, we do not guarantee that all loans will be matched. Matching will occur as long as matching funds are available that meet the criteria of that loan and the matched amount does not exceed the total loan amount.

12 Days of Lending

Day 1 - Invite a Friend

How do I invite a friend to Kiva?

To invite your friends to Kiva, sign into your account and go to: kiva.org/portfolio/invites

On this page, you'll see a variety of ways to invite your friends. You can send invitations via email, Facebook, Twitter, or your personal invite URL.

If you choose email, you will be given the opportunity to enter the email addresses of those you wish to invite. You're more than welcome to use the pre-written message or to write one yourself. If you choose Facebook or Twitter, you will be prompted to sign in to your account before being able to send an invitation.

I invited a friend to join Kiva but didn't get credit for the referral. How do I get credit?

Even if your friend has already created a Kiva account, they can still give you credit for inviting them to Kiva. To do so, they will need to sign into their Kiva account and go to: kiva.org/portfolio/invites. On this page they can click the link that says "Invited to Kiva by a friend?" and they'll see a window where they can enter in your email address or the lender page URL (i.e. www.kiva.org/lender/kivastaff) and click "Submit."

This will mean your friend will show up under the invited friends section of your public lender page.

Can I retroactively give someone credit for inviting me to Kiva?

You can give credit to someone for inviting you to Kiva after you've created your account. To do so, sign into your Kiva account and go to: kiva.org/portfolio/invites

Click "Invited to Kiva by a friend?" and you'll see a window where you can enter your friend's email address or public lender page URL (ex: www.kiva.org/lender/johnsmith). Then click "Submit."

Day 2 - Donate $50, get a free $25 credit to lend

I donated $50 to Kiva, when will I receive my free credit?

Thanks so much for your donation to Kiva! The free loan credit is not granted immediately following your donation, but is applied to your account within 24 hours. We will send you an email with a link containing your free credit within 24 hours of your donation, and you have 14 days to use it toward a loan of your choice. Please log in and click the "lend my free $25 credit" link at the top of the page to choose a loan.

How does free credit work?

Any free credit you receive is funded by a sponsor and can only be used to make loans. Free credit typically has an expiration date and cannot be withdrawn or donated to Kiva's operating expenses. Repayments on loans made using free credit are returned to the sponsor rather than you as the lender.

How do I redeem free credit I've earned?

Once you have received an email notifying you of your free credit, it will automatically be applied to the next loan you make. Sign in toour Kiva account, click "Lend my free credit" at the top of the page, choose a loan and proceed through the checkout process.

Please note that free credit cannot be applied to direct loans, loans with repayment terms over 21 months, or loans from Field Partners with risk ratings below 3 stars. You’ll be able to see if a loan is eligible on both the loan profile and in your basket. To find loans that are eligible using free credit, you can also use this link: kiva.org/lend/bonusEligibleLoans

Day 3 - Join a team

What is a lending team?

Lending teams are self-organized groups of lenders built around common interests such as school affiliation or geography. Team members continue to lend as individuals, choosing their own loans, but can track their collective impact as a group by attributing their loans to their team. To browse through lending teams on Kiva and join or create one, please go to: kiva.org/teams

How do I join a lending team?

You can join a lending team at kiva.org/teams

On this page, you can use the search box to browse teams according to keywords and once you've found a team you'd like to join, click "Join Team."

If the team is closed, click "Request to Join" to send a request to the team captain. Once the team captain approves your request you'll receive an email confirmation.

If you'd like to join a team but aren't sure where to get started, you can check out the Welcome to Kiva team at: kiva.org/team/welcome_to_kiva

How do I set my preferred lending team?

If you're a member of more than 1 lending team, you may want to set a preferred lending team, which will be the default team listed in your basket, making it easy to count your loans toward your team's impact automatically, whether you are lending manually or via auto lending.

You can set your preferred team by signing into your Kiva account and going to My Teams (kiva.org/teams/my-teams)

Under the headline "Lending Teams I Belong To" you'll see a pulldown box where you can set your preferred team next to the team of your choice.

Day 4 - Make a matched education loans

What is loan matching?

Loan matching is a feature that allows the loan you make on Kiva to be matched by an individual or larger organization that has set up a loan matching fund.

If you lend $25 to a borrower whose loan is being matched, the matcher will lend $25 to that borrower as well. Matchers may match all Kiva loans or just a particular type of loans (loans in a certain area, through a particular Field Partner, to a particular type of borrower, etc.).

To find loans that are eligible for matching, look for a x2 icon on the loan, or search for these loans using this direct link: www.kiva.org/lend?matchedOnly=true

How does loan matching work?

Loans marked with a "x2" icon on Kiva's website will be eligible for matching funds from our sponsors, which means that if you lend $25 to that borrower, a fund set up by the loan matcher will also lend $25 to that borrower -- essentially doubling the contribution made to that loan and helping it reach its goal. Repayments on the matched amount, however, will return to the sponsor not to your Kiva account.

Please note, while loans with a "x2" icon on them should be matched by a sponsor, we do not guarantee that all loans will be matched. Matching will occur as long as matching funds are available that meet the criteria of that loan and the matched amount does not exceed the total loan amount.

Day 5 - Donate $35 or more, get $25 to lend

I donated $35 to Kiva, when will I receive my free credit?

Thanks so much for your donation to Kiva! The free loan credit is not granted immediately following your donation, but is applied to your account within 48 hours. We will send you an email with a link containing your free credit within 48 hours of your donation, and you have 14 days to use it toward a loan of your choice. Please log in and click the "lend my free $25 credit" link at the top of the page to choose a loan.

How does free credit work?

Any free credit you receive is funded by a sponsor and can only be used to make loans. Free credit typically has an expiration date and cannot be withdrawn or donated to Kiva's operating expenses. Repayments on loans made using free credit are returned to the sponsor rather than you as the lender.

How do I redeem free credit I've earned?

Once you have received an email notifying you of your free credit, it will automatically be applied to the next loan you make. Sign in to your Kiva account, click "Lend my free credit" at the top of the page, choose a loan and proceed through the checkout process.

Please note that free credit cannot be applied to direct loans, loans with repayment terms over 21 months, or loans from Field Partners with risk ratings below 3 stars. You’ll be able to see if a loan is eligible on both the loan profile and in your basket. To find loans that are eligible using free credit, you can also use this link: kiva.org/lend/bonusEligibleLoans

Day 6 - Donate $150, receive early access to the Kiva app

When will I get access to the app?

We’ll send you a confirmation email the day after you donate a cumulative $150 during the month of December, to let you know you’re on our list as a beta app tester! A few weeks before we launch our mobile app in March 2020, we’ll send you an email with instructions to download the beta version of our app.

Day 7 - Make a matched loan to US borrowers

What is loan matching?

Loan matching is a feature that allows the loan you make on Kiva to be matched by an individual or larger organization that has set up a loan matching fund.

If you lend $25 to a borrower whose loan is being matched, the matcher will lend $25 to that borrower as well. Matchers may match all Kiva loans or just a particular type of loans (loans in a certain area, through a particular Field Partner, to a particular type of borrower, etc.).

To find loans that are eligible for matching, look for a x2 icon on the loan, or search for these loans using this direct link: www.kiva.org/lend?matchedOnly=true

How does loan matching work?

Loans marked with a "x2" icon on Kiva's website will be eligible for matching funds from our sponsors, which means that if you lend $25 to that borrower, a fund set up by the loan matcher will also lend $25 to that borrower -- essentially doubling the contribution made to that loan and helping it reach its goal. Repayments on the matched amount, however, will return to the sponsor not to your Kiva account.

Please note, while loans with a "x2" icon on them should be matched by a sponsor, we do not guarantee that all loans will be matched. Matching will occur as long as matching funds are available that meet the criteria of that loan and the matched amount does not exceed the total loan amount.

Day 8 - Make $100 donation, get $50 free credit

I donated $100 to Kiva, when will I receive my free credit?

Thanks so much for your donation to Kiva! The free loan credit is not granted immediately following your donation, but is applied to your account within 48 hours. We will send you an email with a link containing your free credit within 48 hours of your donation, and you have 14 days to use it toward a loan of your choice. Please log in and click the "lend my free $25 credit" link at the top of the page to choose a loan.

How does free credit work?

Any free credit you receive is funded by a sponsor and can only be used to make loans. Free credit typically has an expiration date and cannot be withdrawn or donated to Kiva's operating expenses. Repayments on loans made using free credit are returned to the sponsor rather than you as the lender.

How do I redeem free credit I've earned?

Once you have received an email notifying you of your free credit, it will automatically be applied to the next loan you make. Sign in to your Kiva account, click "Lend my free credit" at the top of the page, choose a loan and proceed through the checkout process.

Please note that free credit cannot be applied to direct loans, loans with repayment terms over 21 months, or loans from Field Partners with risk ratings below 3 stars. You’ll be able to see if a loan is eligible on both the loan profile and in your basket. To find loans that are eligible using free credit, you can also use this link: kiva.org/lend/bonusEligibleLoans

Day 9 - Give a Kiva Card

How do I purchase a Kiva Card?

You can purchase a Kiva Card by clicking here. On this page select the delivery method, value and quantity of the Kiva Cards you want to buy. Once you've done that and agreed to the terms and conditions, including the 12 month lending period with a conversion to donation afterward, add the card to your basket by clicking "Add to Basket" or "Add to Basket and Checkout". To begin the checkout process click "Basket" at the top of the page.

Upon completion of your purchase, you'll be directed to an order confirmation page and also receive an emailed receipt. You can view and/or print the Kiva Cards you've purchased at any time by signing into your Kiva account and going to: kiva.org/portfolio/kiva-cards

Does Kiva mail physical Kiva Cards?

When you purchase a Kiva Card, you can choose a delivery method. There are options to print it out yourself, or have it emailed or sent by postal mail directly to the recipient, if they live within the U.S.

If you select the postal mail delivery method, a physical Kiva Card will be mailed to the recipient at the address you provide. To purchase a Kiva Card to be delivered by mail, please go to: kiva.org/gifts/kiva-cards#/postal

If I order a Kiva Card to be mailed to me, how long should it take?

Kiva Cards take 7-10 business days to be shipped after being ordered. We unfortunately do not have tracking available but if you ordered your Kiva Card more than 10 business days ago, please email contactus@kiva.org and we can request a re-shipment of your Kiva Card.

How do I redeem my Kiva Card?

To use your Kiva Card, go to: kiva.org/redeem
On this page you'll see a box where you can enter the card's gift code and click "Apply." Once you've entered the code, click the blue "Get Started, Find a Loan" button to find a list of all loans in need of support. When you find a loan that interests you, add it to your basket by clicking the blue "Lend $25" button. When you're ready to checkout click "Basket" at the top of the page. This will begin the checkout process.

In order to use a Kiva Card you will need to sign up for a Kiva account if you don't already have one. Please also note that if your total exceeds the amount on your Kiva Card, you'll be directed to PayPal to pay for the difference between the total due and the amount of your Kiva Card. Upon completion of your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page on Kiva's website. You will also receive an emailed receipt for your purchase.

Why am I getting the message my Kiva Card has already been redeemed?

Kiva Cards don’t have a cash value so as a result, can’t be deposited into your account for later use. That is why the funds from your Kiva Card won’t show up in your Kiva credit noted at the top of the page. However, if you are logged into your existing Kiva account and have applied the code from your Kiva Card at kiva.org/redeem, the funds will be applied after you choose a loan and reach the Basket page during checkout.

Please note that if you do not apply the total amount of your Kiva Card toward loans at the time you redeem it, the remaining amount on your Kiva Card will be reflected in your total Kiva credit. However, in order to redeem it, you will need to make at least one $25 loan. Any remaining funds deposited in your Kiva account also can’t be withdrawn without first being lent to a borrower.

Day 10 - Donate $200, get $50 to lend and a free tote bag

How do I redeem my tote bag?

You’ll receive an email the day after you donate $200 with your unique promo code. Use the promo code provided in your email, and go to this link: https://store.kiva.org/product/kiva-tote-with-logo/K28430/ When you check out with your tote, you’ll have the opportunity to enter your promo code, which will cover the cost of the tote, shipping and tax.

Day 11 - Make a matched loan to a refugees

What is loan matching?

Loan matching is a feature that allows the loan you make on Kiva to be matched by an individual or larger organization that has set up a loan matching fund.

If you lend $25 to a borrower whose loan is being matched, the matcher will lend $25 to that borrower as well. Matchers may match all Kiva loans or just a particular type of loans (loans in a certain area, through a particular Field Partner, to a particular type of borrower, etc.).

To find loans that are eligible for matching, look for a x2 icon on the loan, or search for these loans using this direct link: www.kiva.org/lend?matchedOnly=true

How does loan matching work?

Loans marked with a "x2" icon on Kiva's website will be eligible for matching funds from our sponsors, which means that if you lend $25 to that borrower, a fund set up by the loan matcher will also lend $25 to that borrower -- essentially doubling the contribution made to that loan and helping it reach its goal. Repayments on the matched amount, however, will return to the sponsor not to your Kiva account.

Please note, while loans with a "x2" icon on them should be matched by a sponsor, we do not guarantee that all loans will be matched. Matching will occur as long as matching funds are available that meet the criteria of that loan and the matched amount does not exceed the total loan amount.

Day 12 - Lend to a borrower in a country that is special to you

Can I view a map that shows all the countries I've lent to?

You can find a map that shows the location of all the loans you've funded by going to: kiva.org/portfolio

Scroll to "Recent loans" and click the map icon on the right side.

This information is also found on your public lender page, which you can find by going to: kiva.org/settings/account

Click the " View your lender page " link under the heading "My Lender Profile" to be taken to your lender page. You will find your map on the bottom of the page under the header, "Lending Activity by Country."

Why isn't Kiva working in a certain country?

Kiva's priority is working in developing countries to reach borrowers who, were it not for Kiva, wouldn't have access to microfinance. Kiva currently works with Field Partners in more than 80 countries and hopes to eventually operate in every country in the world. To find a list of countries where Kiva operates, please visit: kiva.org/partners

If Kiva doesn't work in a given country it's usually due to one of the following challenges:
--Restrictive government policies
--Banking regulations (which occasionally don't allow money to flow in and out of a country on a monthly basis, making it difficult for our model to work)
--Kiva hasn't yet been able to identify a viable Field Partner
--An unstable political climate