Friday, November 13, 2009

A high profile donation to ACCION USA

We found this mention of a donation to ACCION USA interesting. Craigslist founder Craig Newmark is a supporter of microcredit here in the states and worldwide.

From Microfinance Focus, we read more on the donation.

ACCION USA, a pioneer and leader in U.S. microfinance that provides critical capital and financial education to small businesses, has been awarded a gift by Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, to support its person-to-person microlending activities on the Website Kiva.org. Craigslist is a centralized network of online communities, featuring free online classified advertisements.

Mr. Newmark is a strong supporter of microfinance internationally. “ACCION USA’s work in providing microfinance to small business owners here in the United States is commendable,” said Mr. Newmark. “As a business owner myself, I understand that access to loans to grow a business is critical. I am proud to support ACCION USA’s Kiva lending program.”

According to Gina Harman, president and CEO at ACCION USA, the funds will help the organization continue its partnership with Kiva.org, a Website that connects entrepreneurs in need of business capital worldwide with individuals who make loans in $25 increments. Launched in June 2009, the partnership marked the first time that people could lend to entrepreneurs in the U.S. via the Kiva.org platform.

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