Kiva currently does not have a list of grants which applicants may apply for to be used toward their fellowship. If you have resources to recommend, please let us know.

  

As listed on www.kiva.org, these are frequently asked questions about the self-funding aspect of the Kiva Fellowship.

 

 

Where can I get funding to participate in the Kiva Fellows Program?

Current Kiva Fellows have received funding from their universities, Rotary Clubs, grants found through internet searches, by fundraising through the family, friends and networks and through a company sponsorship. Research expat community groups as to what is available.

 

What grants do Fellows normally get?

Typically, Fellows get grants through their university or graduate school. Note, that some schools have grants available for students about to enter graduate school as well. A few participants have applied for Fulbright Scholarships to help fund their Kiva Fellowship.

 

What grants can I get if I'm not a student?

Grants are available to individuals who are not students. However, these funding sources are often not as publicized as university-affiliated grants and thus require more research to ferret out. For a monthly fee, you can sign up to have access to a comprehensive online database for individuals looking for funding from The Foundation Center. See http://gtionline.fdncenter.org/ for more information.

 

Is there funding available from Kiva?

Currently, our preference is to select people who are committed to funding the trip themselves.

If you would like to donate to Kiva for operational expenses (which include this program) please click on the link below: http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=basket&action=donate). If you would like to sponsor a Fellow (roughly $5000 will cover flight, food and accommodation and stipend) please contact kivafellows@kiva.org .

 

Can Kiva help me get a grant?

Unfortunately, we do not have the staffing to provide this kind of support. Each fellow is responsible for obtaining their own funding. Once accepted, we can write a letter on your behalf detailing your responsibilities to Kiva.

 

What will my costs be as a fellow?

The total cost of the program varies depending on country assignment and how conservative you are in terms of travel and living. You will need to research the cost of living and round-trip flights for the destination country. A good place to start is http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com or check out a few guidebooks for the country in which you are interested to get an idea of what your budget should be. Many of our partner MFIs are based or work in rural areas where cost of living is low.

 

How have other fellows fundraised for their trip?

Besides applying for grants and scholarships, fellows have fundraised through a network of contacts including family, friends, colleagues, schoolmates, and so on. One fellow also had luck by collaborating with the Kiva Friends community. Some fellows have applied directly to airlines for assistance and received free flights. Others have encouraged their employers to support this international experience.

 

Is there a sample budget I can follow?

Costs vary depending on the location in which you will be living as well as your own personal travel/life style. For a three month fellowship, you can plan on spending roughly $5,000 (for flight, food, lodging, incidentals, travel insurance, visas, etc.)  Depending on your own history and needs, this figure might go up or down (e.g. if you already have a yellow-fever certificate, you will not have to pay for a new one). Note: a longer stay does not mean your costs necessarily go up proportionally, as normally your flight is the largest portion of your costs. Living and volunteering for an additional two months would only increase your costs on average by $300-$500, assuming you live very frugally.

 

Can my company or organization sponsor me?

Yes, but the contribution will not be tax deductible.

 

Is my company or organization's sponsorship tax-deductible?

No.

 

What is Kiva's EIN number (for donations)?

71-099 2466