What is a Micro-Loan?

A micro loan is a small loan (typically $25-$500) made to an impoverished small business owner in a developing country to help them become self sufficient. Before receiving the loan, your recipient has been well-trained by the organization which partners with the lender such as Kiva.org. Because of training and peer-pressure, your recipient is likely to be more successful in business and more responsible than a typical borrower in re-paying your loan.

Schooling for children is not free in most developing countries. Because of your loan, the successful borrower is likely to improve the community by sending his or her children to school, and by employing other individuals. Your loan is an investment that directly breaks the cycle of poverty through education and business support. Your loan usually lasts 6 -12 months, and when it is re-paid your money may be loaned out again.

Providing micro-loans will help countries reach their Millennium Development Goals. To learn about Millennium Development Goals and how Episcopalians are working for global reconciliation to end poverty, go to www.e4gr.org.

For more information about micro-credit in general: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/microcredit.

Some Ways to Make a Micro-Loan on Your Own:

How May I Donate to St. John's to Make a Loan for me?

Make out a check for a minimum of $25 to St. John's Episcopal Church, and in the memo section, write "micro-loan." Each quarter of the year, a small Micro Loan Committee of St. John's parishioners will gather to make loans with funds that are donated to the church.


Advantages to Having St. John's Make Your Gift into a Never-Ending Loan:

You won't have to bother with the computer or having to set up your own Pay-Pal account.

You will receive a 'thank-you' for your gift(s) to this non-profit.

Revelations will publish profiles of loan recipients so we can get to know them as individuals and learn how your loan is making a positive difference in their life and in ending global poverty.

There will be a Kiva Corner in Hansen Hall which will display profiles of recipients not necessarily profiled in Revelations. The Kiva Corner will house a world map where flags will be placed showing the country of residence of recipients. If anyone visits a recipient, pictures from that visit may be displayed there for all to share in the excitement.

When loans are re-paid the M-L Committee will re-lend your gift.

Episcopal Relief and Development has Several Opportunities for Giving: Check out their web-site at www.er-d.org/

Further Questions?

Please call Ali Carter@ 413-2173

 

St. John's Episcopal Church • PO Box 1690 • Jackson, WY 83001
307-733-2603 • sjec@sjecjh.org