Does anyone lend money to small entrepreneurs using lendwithcare?

[User253853]

I've spent some time looking at it this evening and I am quite tempted. It looks like a really good way of helping others for no cost (or at least limited risk). DH thinks its a scam..

Has anyone done it?

I think I find the categories better on kiva - it's easy for me to find a woman who needs money for education or to build a toilet - my two preferred types of loan. But I prefer a UK based company so I'll stick with Lend With Care for now. I was surprised I didn't have to pay £15 to access the bonus, iykwim.

Just adding a code if anyone wants to use. https://lendwithcare.org/referral/FLVBDU

Just checked mine and my first group has met their target!
Has anyone noticed the amount of women recipients has decreased? The first page of requests were all men.
A quick question, I've had the email about the £15 credit, but it doesn't appear on my account, should it?

Oh and my code if anyone wants it. lendwithcare.org/referral/6FK90A

I do. You tend to gradually 'lose' your money because of exchange rate issues, giving a 'cut' (voluntary but I'd feel bad not doing it) to lend with care and very occasional bad debt. For me it's interesting to do and it makes your 'donation' keep being useful for longer as you can keep re-investing it. I tend to support women entrepreneurs and craftspeople. I'm signed up to the humanists and atheists group.

Francisca is fully funded ❤️

I was so pleased to see this!

I think another poster has said that it can show up under a 'bonus' heading rather than in account credit ?

I've just had a look, because I've decided to lend some more, and all the women who wanted to buy walking tractors have been fully funded now.

Amazing!

That’s brilliant. I’ve just looked and there are only 20 people & groups needing funding.

Just seen that the group I loaned to has raised their £20 000, which seemed like a huge amount, There was a note on the site that the number of loans available drops at the beginning of the month when loans are repaid and lenders reinvest.

I’ve done it for about 6 years now. I generally spread the amount I lend out among various applicants rather than a larger amount to one to spread the risk.

However in all the time I’ve done it, not one has defaulted.

It’s not a scam.

I don’t know if anyone is interested but I set up a Mumsnetters team!
https://lendwithcare.org/teams/mn-massive-salad

I thought it would be nice to be able to see all the help we’ve been able to give. You don’t have to use your real or full name and it won’t be connected to your Mumsnet name.

I don’t think it includes any loans made before you join the team unfortunately, but I have already done another loan with my own money and intend to do more. So if you do too, feel free to join 😊

EDITED TO SAY actually it CAN include loans you’ve already made! You go to ‘my loans’ and then scroll down to the loans you’ve made and click on ‘attribute to team’ (I think that’s what it said anyway!)

The team thing is cool, thanks @NinePoppadomsAndASaagAloo!

This is wonderful, thank you OP. I’m doing this today!

I also starting lending off of the back of this thread, so huge thanks everyone. Sharing just in case as i sadly didnt take the opportunity when i signed up.

Lend your support to entrepreneurs in low-income countries through @Lendwithcare. Make your first loan for free with this link! https://lendwithcare.org/referral/KZHMOD

@NinePoppadomsAndASaagAloo - love the team idea and have 'attributed' my loans. I wonder if it is worth reaching out to Lend With Care to show them how successful this thread has been?

(Unless...conspiracy theory....this was all an advertising campaign in the first place!)

There are 11 team members now. I hope this thread stays active enough for that number to grow.
Thank you @NinePoppadomsAndASaagAloo

Lovely to see a Mumsnet team. I'm already in a team so I'll not join you but wishing lots of happy loans.

I joined the team and attributed my loans today. Im looking forward to seeing the power of the massive salad helping people to help themselves and their communities.

Joined the team too

Me. I started about a year ago. I donate £30 a month. It’s started to trickle back to me.

Thank you. I've signed up using your link

Thank you for spreading the word about this charity. I've just used someone's code - apologies I can't remember whose - and lent to a woman who needs to boost the health of the livestock on her farm.
I will go to bed feeling better about myself and the world! 💐
Here's my link if anyone needs one:
lendwithcare.org/referral/WVULUF

Just placemarking to follow up in the daytime. Lovely thread.