Application Overview

What we're looking for in a Kiva loan application.

So you’ve decided to apply for a Kiva loan… now what?

Check if you meet Kiva's minimum eligibility requirements and be prepared to show you CARE when filling out the application.

In order to receive a loan from Kiva, you must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.

  • You must not currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.

  • You must not have had a violent or financial criminal conviction in the last 5 years.

  • You must not be a registered sex offender.

  • You must reside and operate your business in the United States.

  • Your business cannot be registered or primarily operated in the states of Nevada or North Dakota.

  • You must be seeking a loan for business purposes other than refinancing debt and purchasing stock or equity.

  • Your business must not be of a type deemed ineligible for a Kiva loan. Some examples are:

    • federally illegal activities (e.g., gambling, hemp-related products)

    • businesses related to tobacco, pawn-shops, weapons, multi-level marketing, direct selling, cryptocurrencies, drones, or adult entertainment

    • businesses providing contract work for large corporations (e.g., AirBnB, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.)

  • If you are a nonprofit, you must be able to prove revenue (i.e., donations) in the past 12 months.

  • You must have a PayPal account (that’s how you will receive as well as repay your Kiva loan!)

  • You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by asking a small number of your friends, family, clients, and/or business partners to make a loan to you during your Private Fundraising Period.

* Please note that impactful loans will be given precedence during the application review process. This is in alignment with our efforts at Kiva US to rethink creditworthiness and expand access to capital to underserved communities: while we do look at your financials, we prioritize your character, the impact your loan will have on your community, and how much support you have from your community.

* Please also note: In order to enhance and enrich Kiva.org and the Kiva US loan program for all Users, Kiva applicants and Kiva borrowers alike are expected to adhere to a particular standard of behavior. Per the Kiva borrower agreement, they “… agree to be respectful and not to engage in off-topic, meaningless or annoying interactions or communications through the Website and program.” Kiva US loan applicants who do not adhere to this standard of behavior will be deemed ineligible for a Kiva loan at this time and will have their loan application turned down.

Show you CARE

  • It’s complete:

    • All sections are filled out.

    • All financial #s requested are reported (or listed as $0).

    • All requested documents are uploaded.

  • It’s accurate:

    • Your business start date,

    • your monthly personal and business finances,

    • your loan amount requested,

    • your background + credit history information,

    • … and more…

    are all accurate.

  • It’s realistic/relevant:

    • Your requested loan amount is truly what you need at this time. *Please keep in mind that your 1st repayment to your lenders will be due exactly 1 month after you receive your loan.

    • Your itemized loan spend items ($) are specific & reflect what you wrote about in your loan use description.

  • It’s engaging:

    You’re putting your best foot forward via your…

    • personal story • business story • intended loan use + profile photo.

CARE

Recently submitted an application for a Kiva loan?
Click here to find out which stage of the review process your application currently is in.

We’re here to help make this process as simple and straightforward as possible. Check out our FAQs if you have any questions, or contact us at borrowers@kiva.org. We’ll make sure a human gets in touch with you!