Crowdlending for solar with KIVA

Kiva leverages the Internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions to allow individuals to lend as little as $25 to help create opportunities around the world. To date, 3.6 million borrowers in over 77 countries have been financed through the platform.

Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment, and families can afford emergency care.
 

Since 2018, we have been supporting Kiva with matching loans for borrowers who will invest in solar technology – either for households or for small businesses. Further, we provided funding for Kiva’s Direct-to-Social program, where last-mile solar distribution companies enable financing to reach more customers. These are typically the ‘missing middle’: enterprises that are too big for microfinance, but too small for banking.
 

To date, the matching loan has reached 1655 households and 5 business units in Mexico, Lesotho, and Honduras, with 67% female borrowers. Once repaid, the fund will go to the next borrowers, sharing the power of inclusion.