One of 35 finalists selected from over 1,700 applications from around world
On August 13, 2024, Public Interest Registry (PIR), the organization behind the .ORG domain, proudly announced that Kiva has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 .ORG Impact Awards. This esteemed global awards program honors exceptional mission-driven individuals and organizations worldwide for their significant contributions to society.
Chosen from over 1,700 applications spanning nearly 90 countries, Kiva was recognized in the Community Building category, which recognizes organizations whose efforts have contributed to changing or enhancing the lives of those in the community the nominee serves, whether on a local, national, or global level.
Since 2005, Kiva’s crowdfunding platform has enabled 2.1 million lenders to loan $2.04 billion to entrepreneurs of their choosing in 95 countries throughout the world. This flexible, risk-tolerant, impact-seeking capital is rare in a world where the majority of impact investors have to focus on minimizing losses while also delivering a financial return.
To ensure equitable impact, Kiva engages with the communities served by its mission, partnering with local financial providers for customized solutions. Along with their innovative technology platform, this network of partnerships and the local expertise they bring is the primary driver of Kiva’s ability to scale and accelerate its impact.
Over the past 19 years, Kiva has worked with nearly 600 local, value-aligned microfinance institutions and social enterprises to extend credit, resulting in a region-specific approach that fosters cultural relevance and grassroots empowerment. Millions of people globally have gained access to credit through these local, on-the-ground partnerships with impact-focused organizations, such as Kiva’s 16-year partnership with Friendship Bridge in Guatemala, which has deployed $18.6 million in Kiva loans to support primarily indigenous women and girls in rural Guatemala.
All .ORG Impact Award winners will be revealed at an in-person awards ceremony on October 8 in Washington, D.C.Finalists from around the world will gather for the event, with each receiving a donation of $2,500 USD. Additionally, all finalists, including Kiva, will compete for larger donations ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 USD. Beyond the financial award, the recognition from the .ORG Impact Awards will help elevate the profiles of winning organizations, boosting donations, funding, talent acquisition, partnership development, and audience reach.
About Kiva
Kiva is a global nonprofit founded in 2005 with a mission to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through crowdfunded loans supported by individuals worldwide. Kiva partners with businesses and organizations like yours to make an even greater impact on communities around the world, one loan at a time. Join Kiva to create a financially inclusive world, where all people hold the power to improve their lives. Over two million people have invested $2 billion in real dreams and real opportunities, spanning more than 90 countries and 4.7 million borrowers.
About Public Interest Registry
Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a nonprofit that operates the .ORG top-level domain—one of the world’s largest generic top-level domains with more than 11 million domain names registered worldwide. .ORG is open to everyone, providing a global platform for organizations, associations, clubs, businesses and individuals to bring their ideas to life. PIR has been a champion for a free and open Internet for two decades with a clear mission to be an exemplary domain name registry, provide a trusted digital identity and help educate those who dedicate themselves to improving our world. PIR was founded by the Internet Society (internetsociety.org) in 2002 and is based in Reston, Virginia, USA. Visit www.pir.org for more information.
