Earlier this month, we embarked on a fundraising campaign that we expected would last up to 45 days. Yet, to our astonishment, we met our $4,000 goal in less than one week! Why? Because this on-line community of giving, sharing, and supporting simply rocks!
That community is Kiva – the world’s first and largest micro-lending service.
As of this week, Kiva celebrated the distribution of over 1 billion dollars among nearly 2 million small businesses, in more than 80 different countries. With as little as $25, anyone, from almost anywhere in the world, can help aspiring entrepreneurs and change-makers build community and prosperity. And, through the support of 61 generous lenders – most of them strangers – The Irwin Gallery experienced, firsthand, how fabulously powerful $25 can be.
A proven and self-described “global force for good,” Kiva exemplifies the remarkable strength of ordinary people, and provides a window into the world as it should be. The Irwin Gallery is so incredibly honored and humbled to be a part of this magic – especially in the age of “No” and proliferating predatory (corporate) practices. In the midst of systems, institutions, authorities, and even lifestyles malfunctioning the world throughout, Kiva has been consistently, increasingly and simply, working.
With this 0% interest loan, we look forward to continuing construction on our space – which includes a critical electrical upgrade, lighting, insulation, and some walls and ceilings. This doesn’t cover all of remaining costs but, it gives us a vigorous push that puts opening day well within reach. For us, and for 2.4 million others around the world, Kiva has changed the game.
We are so encouraged and grateful that we have been inspired to pay it forward by lending to others through the Kiva platform, even as we work toward our own goals. We invite you to do the same: If you are a small business-owner, the global Kiva community is waiting to assist you; or you can search the site for the next generation of entrepreneurs, whose lives you can change with as little as $25. Or, both!
- Learn about The Irwin Gallery’s recently disbursed Kiva loan HERE!
- Join us in lending to other Kiva entrepreneurs HERE!
- Find out about becoming a Kiva borrower HERE!
Special thanks to NYC Business Solutions and the supportive Kiva team!
The City of Detroit’s Demolition Program has not been without its criticisms and setbacks. More than 11,000 blighted structures have been leveled since it started in 2014, but the program fell under investigation in 2016 amid concerns about escalating costs. Removal activity was suspended for two months, and resumed only after the City adopted several new protocols in light of federal concerns. Many citizens are impatient to learn when, or if, demolition will be coming to their block. Whatever your feelings are about the program, it is improving the quality of life for Detroiters and expanding possibilities for the city. We don’t know what will become of the new vacant lot on our block – we won’t be buying it, we’ve got our hands full – but, we look forward to creative new neighbors, wishful innovations, or even fresh public space, soon to add to the historic landscape of West Grand Boulevard!
