Kiva | Starting the week on a "LinkedIn for Good" note

As you're probably well aware of, over the past few months we started profiling some of the non-profit groups who have been associated with our "LinkedIn For Good" initiatives. This week we are taking a quick look at Kiva, the second micro-finance group we've profiled on our blog, the first being the Grameen Foundation. Similar to other microfinance institutions, Kiva too, "pairs individuals with a few dollars to spare with entrepreneurs in the developing world" (Read more about it here)

Here are five uplifting stories of the people behind Kiva as well as those whose life has changed through the service.

Here are the five articles (with video):

1. Yahoo! News | The $10 Million Giveaway: Just a few weeks ago, Yahoo! News profiled the inspiring story behind the genesis of Kiva, through the eyes of their founders Matt and Jessica Flannery. Don't miss the 5 minute video that gives you a succinct overview of the company's genesis.

2. The Oprah Winfrey show | Make a Difference: How do small business owners find lenders through Kiva and also how Matt and Jessica Flannery came up with the idea for Kiva (similar to the Yahoo! News interview linked above)

3. Business Week | Making Microfinance easier: So, if you're wondering how microfinancing could be put to best use in your lives, check out this article from Business Week that talks about a small business owner from Bulgaria, his dreams and how Kiva helped him achieve it.

4. New York Times | You, Too, Can Be a Banker to the Poor (with video): Nicholas Kristoff travels to Kabul (Afghanistan) to come face to face with the small business owner he was supporting through Kiva, a baker in Kabul.

5. PBS | "Uganda: A Little Goes A Long Way" (with video): Frontline World "travels to
Uganda to explore the impact of microfinance and, in particular, how Kiva is using the Web to connect borrowers with lenders, person-to-person online "

And, I just checked my first degree connections who also support KIVA. Guess what? There are over 500 users in my own LinkedIn network and nearly 200 outside of my network who support Kiva. Hey, it sure feels good to be in good company! Remember: you can start donating and tracking your goodwill, with just $25.

Add Kiva to your LinkedIn profile and donate