What are good strategies for making loans?

[Guest]

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[Canadian Here]

Assuming you have a set amount of money to work with, does it make more sense to loan a little money to many borrowers? Or would it be better to loan one borrower a lot of money?

There may be a psychological effect which would encourage responsibility and repayment if the money was owed to many people.

On the flip side, it would save me time to make just a few loans.

Are there other concerns? What is your strategy?

Does anyone know if the borrower is made aware of the number of KIVA lenders that financed their loan? I was curious about this earlier and forgot to ask!
Thanks.
Lorna

[Dottie b]

Does anyone know if the borrower is made aware of the number of KIVA lenders that financed their loan? I was curious about this earlier and forgot to ask!
Thanks.
Lorna

Apparently at least some get to see the page with all the lenders' pictures, because we've been told some have expressed consternation about us using our pets' photos.

Dottie B

[Canadian Here]

Dottie:
The cat pictured in my photo isn't even one of mine. It's a Microsoft non-copyrighted photo!
I got a fancy camera for a gift a few months ago and I haven't learned how to use it yet so used this photo which looks a little like my "Diva". I thought it was better to use something than leave a blank.
Lorna

[cpbailey]

The animal controversy is that in some cultures it is taken that a dog or cat is their business partner.  I gather if a person is shown with his pet, then it is not offensive to them. 

Me?  I like animals, but am too lazy to figure out how to get a picture with or without pets.

Colette

[mejane]

Dear azw,
On the flip side of all this (for me) is to lend where the need is greatest.  Not that I want to lose all that I loan but those in unstable areas sometimes are those in greatest need.  I especially like the philosophy of GHAPE in Africa.  Also, I have not yet heard about the young man I lent to in Kenya.  Even though there was rioting and loss of businesses, I would lend there again in a heartbeat.  Jane