'Genealogists for Families' Project We care about families (past, present and future)

For as long as I can remember, my father set aside a sum of money that he could lend to a hard-working person in need of help. When they paid it back, he would lend it to someone else. We called it his 'Do Good money'. To continue Dad's tradition and to honour his memory after he passed away at the age of ninety, I set up the 'Genealogists for Families' project. Within a few months we had 145 members in 9 countries helping over 320 individuals or groups - and the numbers increase daily. Please join us!

Genealogists worldwide (and their non-genealogist relatives and friends) are working as a team to help families in low income areas - but with small loans, not handouts. Through Kiva, a non-profit organisation working with microfinance institutions, we make $25 loans that enable borrowers without access to traditional banks (including many women) to expand their businesses, support their families, educate their children, save for the future and raise themselves out of poverty. When the loan is repaid we can withdraw the money or lend it again. If we repeatedly lend the same $25, that small sum makes a big difference to many lives.

What team members say:

Carole:  'I have been lending through Kiva since 2008. It's very satisfying to lend money to specific people and know what it will be used for, and then get it back again!'

Joan:  'We have so much, and I consider this one small way to help others less fortunate. It is fun finding the individuals I want to sponsor.'

What YOU can do:

1. Join the 'Genealogists for Families' team (do this first - the link opens a new window).
2. After joining the team, make a loan through Kiva. The repayments go to you, but the loan will appear in our team's collective portfolio so our overall impact grows.
3. Edit your Lender Page (under 'My Portfolio') to publicise your Web site, business or online family tree. Select your country from the drop-down list so we can see how widespread the team is.
4. For news about team social events, helpful hints, member profiles etc, see the 'Genealogists for Families' Project home page.
5. Invite your family, friends and workmates to join Kiva (and, if they wish, our team).

Join 'Genealogists for Families' - we are making a difference by helping families now and in the future, and we are having fun at the same time!