Kiva takes due diligence and monitoring very seriously as part of our responsibility to our lenders and borrowers. Borrowers on Kiva are vetted or endorsed by either a local Lending Partner, Trustee or members of the community. All Lending Partners must provide leadership information, financial documentation, and detailed plans for using Kiva’s capital. Periodically, a Kiva analyst conducts an on-site visit to conduct interviews with leadership, management, and borrowers.

We cover most of our operating costs through voluntary donations made by Kiva lenders. As a 501(c)3 U.S. nonprofit, the remainder of our costs are covered through grants and donations from foundations and supporters. Additionally, select lending partners contribute small platform fees as we continue building innovative technologies that help create a more financially inclusive world.

Kiva never takes a fee from lenders. 100% of funds lent on Kiva go to funding loans.

Kiva partners with microfinance institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations to disburse loans in the communities we serve.

Most borrowers do pay interest to these local lending partners to help cover their operation costs. We verify that these rates are appropriate for the region and we only choose partners who have fair, non-predatory lending practices and prioritize social good.

Some borrowers funded through Kiva do receive 0% interest loans, including most direct loans, which are loans not made through a local lending partner.