One loan can’t change the world. But for one person, it can mean everything — like sending their kids to school, accessing clean water, growing a business, or earning a stable income for the first time.
When this happens for millions of people, it adds up to real, lasting change: for women, refugees, climate-threatened people, and marginalized U.S. entrepreneurs.
We first estimate if a partner can have a meaningful impact for their customers. This includes ensuring they serve financially excluded populations, protect clients from over-indebtedness, and offer products that help clients succeed long-term.
Partners must complete surveys on a regular basis to monitor their impact and flag opportunities for growth and improvement. We also make onsite and virtual visits to conduct risk and impact audits.
Through client-level surveys, we assess how borrowers are being positively impacted by their loan, as well as identify ways our partners’ services can be improved to provide a stronger social impact.
The 60 Decibels Microfinance Index (2022) assessed outcomes for 5,200 lenders from 26 of Kiva’s Lending Partners. After receiving their loan:
of borrowers surveyed said their quality of life had improved.
said their business income had increased.
said they were better able to manage their finances.
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