Thursday, June 6, 2013

paying it forward


This is something I have been wanting to do for a while, but wanted to make sure I felt comfortable with the terms and how I wanted to make this work.

But this it. Introverted Art decided to work with Kiva. This amazing non-profit organization that connects people to reduce poverty, letting people loan as little as $25 to help others.


I have been saying for a while that my art was never meant to be sold, that I do have a career and that almost all the money I make with it is donated to causes that are dear to my heart, such as animal rescues and domestic violence shelters.

Now, I decided to make things a bit more official and I created an account for IA. What attracted me to Kiva is that this is not a donation. It is a loan. A loan to entrepreneurial men and women trying to improve their life conditions and businesses. Also, the money used in an original loan can be used for the next person once the loan is paid off.


I will create an additional page so I can show where the money is going. Therefore, if you ever buy something from IA, 100% of your purchase will go to someone who needs it.

I am working on a commission now, so soon the money IA makes from that will be helping someone who needs it :)

I am making 2 things very clear though: 1. most of the money will be lent to females. I like guys, but  in a lot of places things are much tougher for women. So I feel inclined to help them. 2. most of the money will go to poor areas/countries and conflict zones. One person asked me why not the US. This truly is one of the most amazing countries in the world, where if we work hard and go to school we can have a decent life. A lot of other people are not as lucky as we are.

--->Photos from Kiva's website and some of the women trying to improve their businesses.

27 comments:

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

This is such a wonderful endeavor my friend! I'm so proud of you and I love the things they make. I've bought a few things in the past that I love! Let me know when you get your site ready! Hugs!

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

This is wonderful, Ana! I am a member of Kiva. One of my favourite bloggers had a $25 Kiva gift card giveaway and I won. I loaned the money to a single mom with a few children and when she paid it back, I loaned it to another single mom with a few kids. She's almost done, too, and then I'll loan it to another. I've realized that I enjoy helping single moms. I was one myself for a few years, and it can be quite hard. I love being a part of Kiva and I will continue to be for a long time to come! I'm so happy to hear that you have joined!

turquoisemoon said...

Good for you!!! I love my charities...they're good for my soul and make me so happy.

Riot Kitty said...

That is so awesome! Good for you. I love programs like this.

aneri_masi said...

I am a huge fan on Kiva, and hope to work for them some day! Am building up my tech skills to do just that.
I have made 28 loans so far, 19 paid back and 0 loss! The folks this goes to are truly amazing. And like you, I have loaned only to women. I first try to find single moms, if I don't find any, then I look for women trying to build a business.

It is very gratifying, and a gift that keeps on giving! I have only deposited $117 which have turned into $800 lent out! Amazing, isn't it?

Unknown said...

Généreuse initiative. Je suis de tout cœur avec toi.

Anonymous said...

Good going! I wish you luck on this endeavor.

The Dancing Crone said...

You have my deepest admiration for doing something for such a worthwhile cause, Ana. I'm looking forward to seeing your next information post!

Sherri B. said...

What a wonderful thing you're doing - this is wonderful. <3

Optimistic Existentialist said...

This is so so so so so so so so wonderful of you my friend. This really touched me this morning.

Jeanie said...

What a splendid association you are making - -and I think it is wonderful that you are being specific with your desires -- women needing help and those in countries who are having a tough go of it. This is a wonderful thing to do, and I so admire you for it.

Almost Precious said...

I'm familiar with Kiva, it's a great organization. Good for you for paying it forward and yes there are far too many places on this planet that abuse and neglect women. I long to see a day when women throughout this world will be treated with respect, dignity and as equals to their male brothers.

Arkansas Patti said...

What a great idea and program. I will definitely check it out. Thank you.

Unknown said...

This is a wonderful way to help. I love this organization.

Ariel said...

You're doing something wonderful Ana and that too especially for women.

GlorV1 said...

I think it's great that you are doing something for a very special cause. Good luck with this. I'm committed to St. Jude. They hear from me every month. Very good of you.

Magic Love Crow said...

Excellent! I think this is wonderful ;o)

Ileana said...

This is wonderful and I can't wait to hear more about it. You're doing a beautiful thing!

Annette said...

Can't wait to hear more of what you are doing. Wonderful pics by the way. xoox

Vision By Mila said...

Such a good initiative! Good luck!

kala said...

This is fab idea and I am so proud of u

Willow said...

Wonderful compassion.

Unknown said...

You are amazing and awesome!!!

Palomasea said...

Bravo to you!!! Kiva is fantastic, and I just get goosebumps knowing what a difference this will make in the lives of these women and their families.
You are awesome. :)
xoxo

Palomasea said...

Bravo to you!!! Kiva is fantastic, and I get goosebumps just thinking about the difference this will make in the lives of these beautiful women and their families.
You are awesome. :))
xoxo

Zena said...

Great idea! I am doing exactly the same with, but I am selling my photos not in my blog, but in a blog where I contribute, and I am quite happy.

Have a wonderful weekend dear Ana xx

Dra. Cristiane Grande Jimenez Marino said...

Ana, que projeto maravilhoso!
Fiquei interessada em participar, vou visitar o site do Kiva.
Obrigada por compartilhar.
Bjs