Creating social, interactive ways to generate loans on Kiva

[Guest]

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[kalleward]

I've seen so many great ideas to increase loans through Kiva.  Good communication to non-members, exceptional lending team captains who inspire their members to be more active.

Lend to Kiva and have a great time doing it.
What about having public events?  I know, not a new idea to Kiva.  Still, for example, a group of friends organize a game of Ultimate Frisbee.  Everyone who plays has to pay $5.00 and they have a great time.  The money from the entry fees is organized into $25.00 groups.  Let's say the people who score the most touchdowns each get $25.00 to use exclusively on Kiva.  You could even give them the money in the form of a $25.00 Kiva Card.

TAKEAWAY:

• You can get a lot of new people interested in Kiva.  Having a public event with 20-40 people (or many more!), and the majority of them didn't know about Kiva.  They came to have fun, but you make sure to explain to everyone at your "outdoor stage" that this is for Kiva. Create interest and awareness.
• Lending to entrepreneurs directly is great and fun in itself, but this is an opportunity for both new and existing lenders to give without having to commit as much money.  NO ONE is investing a lot, but that doesn't change what you ultimately provide to entrepreneurs.

I'm working with a few groups of friends on doing these events regularly, and have already gotten a phenomenal response.  Let's expand on this.  What are different ways people can get outdoors during this beautiful coming summer, pay a little money, have a good time doing a particular activity with others, lend to entrepreneurs, and plant a lot of seeds in people's minds who would otherwise have no idea who Kiva is?

Thoughts?  How could we create simple ways to accomplish all of the above through the activities listed below (and others)?  We really are looking for formats, so if you have ideas, then please don't be shy!

• Intramural Soccer
• Volleyball
• Frisbee Golf
• Baseball / Softball
• Capture the Flag
• Basketball
• Golf

Maybe it's just my Chicago / Michigan background talking, but we have an amazing season coming.  People will want to be outside, and almost everyone I've asked is more than willing to pay a little money to support a great cause so long as they can have fun.  Our first game of Ultimate Frisbee is this Friday, with 40 people / $200 in loans playing on Lake Michigan.  In the next few days, many of them will realize just how good of a decision it was to pay the money, because they don't just have a good memory, but a new passion.

All thoughts are appreciated.  Here's my new lending team we're using, and all are welcome! Athletes for Kiva: http://www.kiva.org/team/athlete

[cpbailey]

In winter or other extreme weather conditions, bowling can work.  Check with a bowling center near you to see if there is a fundraising program (percentage of sales or a group price with a set dollar amount going toward your program).  Some may require the organization to be a non-profit, but you can ask.  Also, miniature golf could be an option.  You could combine it with a single mingle with random pairings.

Another way would be poker tournaments or other card or board games.

Colette

[kalleward]

Thanks Colette!

I really like the idea, especially from the standpoint that you bring up indoor opportunities as well.  Even more than that, I love bringing in the "singles" idea.  A lot of people would go for that.

I'm also trying to look for activities that are so... unique--and generally unheard of--that people come just for simple curiosity.  Getting together to do something you never have could be a major driver.  One thing I've heard of is playing playing golf with a baseball bat (granted, the guy may have stole the idea from Tin Cup).  What about events like these? 

Fun because they're not ordinary.

Any thoughts from anyone?