Pantano Christian Church Kiva Microloans Multiply Generosity
Pantano Christian Church gave its community an opportunity to multiply generosity through Kiva microloans. Using $25,000 in grant funds, the church matched participants’ donations to help entrepreneurs around the world.
- Pantano Christian Church received $25,000 in grant funds for the initiative.
- Participants contributed their own money and received matching funds from the church.
- Kiva Cards allowed participants to choose the recipients of their microloans.
By Jennifer Taylor 
In May, Pantano Christian Church (Tucson, AZ) gave away $25,000—and asked the recipients to give the same.
Matching Gifts Through Kiva Microloans
The money, which the church received as a grant, was offered to members of the PCC community to involve them in a microloan program with Kiva, a nonprofit organization that helps donors provide small loans ($25 or more) to help entrepreneurs around the world escape poverty by starting small businesses.
PCC members could participate in the program by committing a small amount of their own money and receiving matching funds from the church. A $12.50 donation would result in $25—the minimum amount needed for a Kiva loan—or members could give up to $50 and receive matching funds for a total of $100.
Pantano’s website enabled easy sign-up and application for the matched funds. After giving their half of the donation, every participant received a “Kiva Card” loaded with the total $25 to $100 and could choose the recipients of their gift.
