news from E-bony about situation in Kenya (formerly "confused about journal...")

[Guest]

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[Dottie b]

So you're saying we should donate to Eb-F's "pool of funds," Collette?

Dottie B

[Diane R]

When I click on the "Donate to the Pool" button, it is circular and returns me to the same page.  (I am logged in to a registered account on the site.)  I still think the website isn't quite finished, or maybe hasn't been maintained/tested adequately.  If someone finds a way to actually do this, please post the details.  Thanks!

--Diane.

[Dottie b]

Yes, I just had the same experience.

But I just received a reply from James Main, who said, "Thanks.yes you can donate directly to ebony.  I will write to you in the Morning on how you can do this. It is night here."

 

Dottie B

[cpbailey]

Dottie,

I am not saying that we ought to, but that this might accomplish some of the intent.  There are many ways to help the area, and I don't think we know enough of the situation to determine how to make the most difference for the most people with a limited amount of resources.

Some things to consider:

1.  Schools may be impacted.  Children returning to schools give normalcy to their lives.
2.  Newly orphaned children may need care.
3.  Loaning money to re-establish businesses.
4.  Medical care for the injured (physical or emotional care).
5.  Infastructure such as roads or water systems.  
6.  Structures or vehicles for storing or moving food and other basics may need improvement.

I would suggest asking what we are willing to do to make a difference, and work on fundraising knowing that there will be needs.  In a week or two there will be funds and better insight into what the situation is.  Also, knowing how much money there is would determine which options would best fit.  Then with funds and a list of options, decide how to apply the funds.  I suspect this will be an area that has a fairly long term recovery--not days or even a couple weeks, but months.

I am willing to help with a project if that is a direction people want to go.  See's candy for Valentine's Day?  Notecards or art that is Out of Africa?  Different Kiva meetings over dinner at restaurants that donate a percentage of funds (although non-profit status may be required for some restaurants)?  A silent auction in the Bay Area?

I would love to see this set up so it is an ongoing thing for projects that we find worthy now and in the future.  But first things first, is there a general direction for this that people want to go?  Individual or group?  Donations or find a project to jump start things?  Is there a product that makes sense and will have support?

Colette

[Dottie b]

I think the best way to fund a need is to simply send money. It's fast, it provides the most benefit for the time involved, and it allows us to give directly to a specific cause.

But I do think we should at least consider setting up some type of on-going project(s) to raise money on a continuing basis to fund some of these needs. I'd particularly like to see it set up as a not-for-profit so we can get tax deductions for our donations. But that's a personal wish, and may be too complicated to do.

Fund-raising projects are a lot of work. If we do set up a fund, I'd just as soon see it funded primarily by contributions, but that needn't rule out the occasional project as enthusiasm demands.

(Or we could make and sell your vegetable chowder. . . .) 

Dottie B

[cpbailey]

Dottie,

A not-for-profit with tax deductible benefits requires a LOT.  It requires a board of directors, papers filed with the U.S. govt which must be approved for 501(c)3, and an annual registration/fee which is hundreds of dollars.  As much as I like the idea, it is not something to be undertaken lightly.

So Eb-F has a place to make donations for loans.  MicroPlace has one partner in Kenya (today is the LAST day).  It is not a Kiva partner, but it does offer medical benefits; it is only for women.  It operates in many areas of Kenya.  This is another direct approach that can be made.  When loans become available on Kiva, that would be a third approach.  Red Cross (you generally can direct funds) may be another option.

If this is individual, then each may act when and how he pleases.  Perhaps a longer term thing is to be on the lookout for opportunities which fit for KF to raise funds for projects in the future.  It seems that we can find things which grip us fairly often!

Colette

[Eli]

Just a tidbit of interesting data to share:

At the moment, there are a minimum of 361 loans that have been 'forgiven' posted on the Ebony Foundation thread on Kiva.  Of those 361, six did not mention loan names, but said that they will 'forgive multiple loans'.  That is up to date through "Diana from Fallbrook, CA".  Don't count "Sharon from Canada's" post, because she has already been counted (some are posting multiple times) in case you would like to continue the count on your own.  I'll post as I update though since I'm following this.

Eli

[Henry]

is KIVA saying anything anywhere?   I haven't had time to look - you know that vote4cause thing!

 

[Niberkanitz]

I have seen at least one post on Kiva friends with a concern about tax deductions for a relief fund. I understand that a tax break for donations is sometimes a deciding factor for a donation. I would like to point out however that a tax break should be of little concern at this point and the focus of the relief is to help those in need.

On that note, perhaps the lender in that region could collaborate with Kiva to establish an emergency assistance fund and post it to the lending section of Kiva. Although it would not be considered a loan, the money would not be paid back to the person funding the effort, and there would be no tax deduction, it might be a fast and easy way to provide immediate relief for those in need. After all, Kiva already has the method established to send funds directly to the lender. The Kiva fellows in the area could also help distribute what is in need to those needing immediate assistance. I realize it would require buy-in from Kiva but it never hurts to ask. Thoughts?

[Dottie b]

My concern for a "tax break" was in connection with an on-going fund to support various Kiva-related causes as they come down the line. There have been two or three such cases already. There would not be time to set up a not-for-profit to help in the present crisis.

And whether it "should be of little concern" is no one's business except the donor's.

Regarding Kiva establishing an emergency assistance fund - the suggestion has merit, but Kiva will do what Kiva will do. From time to time they do adopt suggestions, but they are severely understaffed and this may not be a priority for them. On the Kiva blog, they suggest organizations to which we can send money. http://www.kiva.org/about/inside

Dottie B