Several years ago, I found out about Kiva.org, an online "microfinance" site where individuals can make small loans ($25 is the standard increment at Kiva) to entrepreneurs in low income settings. The entrepreneurs actually apply for larger amounts, which they typically receive from third-party "field partners". The entrepreneurs repay the loans with interest to the field partners, who in turn repay the principal (no interest) to the original donors. A modest deposit by a donor can be turned over repeatedly into loans, enjoying a version of what in my long-ago undergrad econ class was termed the "multiplier effect". I've made a fair number of loans over the years, nearly all of which have been fully repaid. It's a bit of fun as well as personally satisfying.
So I was geeked to learn from one of my colleagues at the Broad College of Business, Professor Paulette Stenzel, that we have a student organization on campus dedicated to microfinance. The Spartan Global Development Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, created and run by students, that makes microloans both through their own field partners and through Kiva. It's a registered student organization, meaning that any Michigan State University student can join. Students and nonstudents alike can donate through PayPal.
Next time I'm on the Kiva site, I plan to join their Kiva "team", and I encourage anyone interested in microfinance to check out their site.
Monday, February 27, 2017
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Many thanks for spreading the word about the great work our MSU students are doing in the area of microfinance. Also, thanks for joining our KIVA team! Go Green! Go White! Paulette Stenzel
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