How to support refugees and displaced people
After being forced to leave everything behind, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) need access to financial resources to rebuild their lives.
Lend to refugeesKiva is dedicated to expanding financial opportunities for 75,000 additional refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) by 2026, as part of our commitment announced at the Clinton Global Initiative.
What do refugees need most?
Food
Safe shelter
Access to medical care
In the midst of a crisis, refugees need immediate support, including food, safe shelter, and access to medical care. As these basic needs are stabilized, many must face the long-term circumstances that follow being displaced.
When refugees and IDPs are forced to flee their homes, careers, and communities, they also leave behind their financial security. Education and careers are interrupted. While resettled in a new community, whether temporarily or permanently, they need to be able to plan for a safe, prosperous future.
Kiva’s impact for refugees
Removing barriers to finance is key for refugees and IDPs to restore their economic independence. That’s why Kiva loans can be a lifeline for many refugees and IDPs working to start a business, further their education, and create a stable future.
Kiva's on a mission to provide the financial access that refugees need to rebuild.
How Kiva loans help refugees
With limited access to bank accounts, credit histories, or even permanent addresses, most banks consider refugees too risky to qualify for financial services. But without access to resources like business loans, it’s hard for refugees to regain their stability.
Expanding access to financial services provides a sustainable solution that helps displaced people establish credit and pursue new economic opportunities.
With Kiva, refugees can start businesses, pursue an education, and improve their livelihoods in their host communities — like Alba, who used Kiva to infuse life into her beauty business.
Fair, equitable financial resources help refugees thrive
With access to credit and financial services, refugees can improve their livelihoods, create jobs, and support themselves and their host communities. And it all starts with a small loan from someone like you:
Intesar Salon owner, Turkey
$375 funded by 7 lenders to update her salon to serve more clients.
Grace Farmer, Uganda
$850 funded by 17 lenders to buy feed and medicine for healthier cattle.
Malik Cafe owner, Palestine
$1,500 funded by 42 lenders to reopen his cafe and reenroll in college after COVID.
How Saffa restored her family’s stability
While immediate humanitarian aid is critical for refugees, they also need long-term economic solutions to get back on their feet.
After fleeing Syria with her children, Saffa used a Kiva loan to buy silk veils to sell in her community. Not only was she able to rebuild her financial security — she also restored hope for her family’s future.
Read Saffa’s storyHow to help refugees around the world
Support refugees internationally
You can lend directly to refugees and IDPs around the world to help them restore their economic independence.
Support refugees in the US
Kiva U.S. supports refugees and other financially excluded people in the United States, helping them build a brighter future.
Support people in conflict zones
People in conflict zones can be at risk of forced migration and need resources to build resilience to impending financial shocks.
Fund a loan today to help someone rebuild their life
Access to financial resources is key to helping refugees go beyond just getting by and instead have the means to improve their livelihoods. Fund a loan today to help someone rebuild.
