Amanda Graham-Rowe, First Vice President and International Affairs Chair
international project with KIVA.
KIVA Project
Kiva is a global nonprofit focused on expanding financial access to underserved communities, empowering individuals to create economic opportunity and financial stability. By providing fair access to capital, Kiva helps women and girls afford education, enables women to start businesses, supports farmers with equipment investments, and helps families cover emergency healthcare costs.
Kiva loans are repaid to individual lenders, who do not receive interest, making it a philanthropic effort. However, the ability to relend after repayment magnifies the impact, far beyond a one-time donation.
Since launching this initiative in November 2023, we’ve funded 6 loans across 6 countries (Congo DRC, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Tajikistan, Peru, and Ecuador) in support of women who are positively impacting their communities. To date, we’ve loaned a total of $1,000, with $535 repaid, allowing us to continue relending and supporting more women.
Current Loans:
Ana Belen (Ecuador) – $125
Loaned: December 2024 | Repayments Expected to Begin: March 2025
Ana operates a supply rental business for social events, providing custom decorations, delivery, and setup. This loan will help her purchase essential items like tables, chairs, linens, and drinkware, supporting the growth and expansion of her business.
Madina (Tajikistan) – $125
Loaned: September 2024 | 6% Repaid
Madina, an X-ray specialist in a rural village, is seeking funds to upgrade her X-ray machine. The new equipment will provide clearer radiographs, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for the local community.
Sustainable Artisan Development Project (Peru) – $250
Loaned: January 2024 | 11% Repaid
This project provides training, market access, and higher income opportunities for over 250 artisans in northern Peru, many of whom are women from indigenous communities. By establishing a home-work economy, the project enables artisans to balance their work with caregiving roles, leading to a 25% increase in household earnings for those in extreme poverty.
Fully Repaid Loans:
- Kana Group (Congo DRC) – $100
Loaned: April 2024 | Fully Repaid: December 2024
Helped purchase wholesale boards to supplement initial capital, supporting entrepreneurs in conflict-affected regions with limited opportunities.
- Gotitas De Esperanza 1 Group (Nicaragua) – $100
Loaned: April 2024 | Fully Repaid: November 2024
Funded business supplies to empower women through community support and financial training.
- Nazava Water Filters (Indonesia) – $250
Loaned: January 2024 | Fully Repaid: May 2024
Contributed to pre-ordering 40,000 water systems, providing safe drinking water to 200,000 people.
