Donations to Kiva's operating expenses are vital to the success and sustainability of Kiva. As an organization we’re committed to sending 100% of all loan contributions to borrowers. We don’t take a cut of money lent on our website, and don’t charge a fee for lending.
Instead, we primarily support our operations through optional donations from our lenders, who choose to donate in addition to their loans. By crowdfunding a large majority of our operational revenue through our lender community, we’re able to keep our fundraising costs low and be less reliant on larger, one-off gifts to be sustainable. We also raise some funds through grants, interest earned on our bank accounts, corporate sponsors and foundations.
Kiva's staff and volunteers work hard to ensure every dollar donated to Kiva is used efficiently. For every $1 donated, Kiva facilitates $8 in loans!
Donations support a variety of programs, including:
-- Sending expert staff to over 80 countries to cultivate new partnerships, expand Kiva’s reach and perform due diligence and monitoring.
-- Building and maintaining the complex technical infrastructure that facilitates over $1 million in loans each week.
-- Training and supporting several hundred volunteers who translate and edit every loan posted on the Kiva website.
-- Supporting the needs of our valued lenders around the world, developing engagement programs and answering customer service inquiries.
To learn more about how we use donations, check out our Charity Navigator profile or most recent Annual Report.
Yes. Unlike loans made on Kiva’s website, donations to Kiva are considered tax-deductible charitable contributions in the United States.
Kiva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, registered in the state of California. We, unfortunately, don't have tax-deductible status in any other countries at this time.
Many companies will match charitable donations their employees make. Check here, or check directly with your company, to see if they will double your donations to Kiva's operating expenses.
If you need Kiva to fill out a matching request for your donation, send the form as an attachment to matchinggifts@kiva.org
Absolutely. To make a donation to Kiva's operating expenses by check, please do the following:
Step 1: Write your check payable to 'Kiva Microfunds.'
Step 2: On the back of the check, write 'Donate All' and the mailing address where you'd like to receive a donation receipt (if different from the address on the check)
Step 3: Mail the check to:
Kiva
Attn: Maria Zaldivar
875 Howard Street, Suite #340
San Francisco, CA 94103
Unfortunately donations made offline will not be reflected in your online Kiva account. Donation receipts will be provided by mail for offline donations. If you’d like your donation to be reflected in your Kiva account, please make your donation online.
In addition to donating directly to Kiva, there are other ways that you can support Kiva’s operations:
-- Ask your company if they match donations
Many companies will match charitable donations their employees make. Check here, or check directly with your company, to see if they will double your donations to Kiva's operating expenses.
If you need Kiva to fill out a matching request for your donation, send the form as an attachment to matchinggifts@kiva.org
-- Dedicate your Amazon purchases to Kiva
Make Kiva Microfunds your charity of choice using Amazon Smile.
-- Include Kiva in your will, trust or estate planning
Thank you for considering such a meaningful way to contribute to Kiva.
Here is information you may need when including Kiva in your will, trust or estate planning:
Kiva Microfunds
875 Howard Street, Suite 340
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 358-7513
Tax ID: 71-0992446
If you need sample language, please contact Kiva at contactus@kiva.org and we’d be happy to provide you with it. We also encourage you to assign someone to be the manager to your Kiva account in the instance that there are any issues or problems that arise.
-- Volunteer your time
Kiva volunteers are vital to the work we do! If you’re looking to give of your time, learn more about all of our volunteer and internship opportunities here: kiva.org/volunteer