personal microloan

[jd-science.livejournal.com]

Hi there-

I have a friend whose father, back in Africa, needs surgery. This friend is pretty reliable, but I don't know him so well that I'm willing to just give him all the money up front. On the other hand, I have met his father (and family) and do want to do what I can do help him, medically.

Do any of you know of any sites where we can set up a microloan, so that I can see other folks who are helping him out with this, and we can all sort of hold him accountable for paying us back, collectively?

Thanks.

Comments

Re: Prosper

[mfinnigan.livejournal.com]

Doing some searching, there's also Kiva and Microplace. I gave some money to Kiva about a year ago and got it back with a couple extra cents and some chocolate.

Re: Prosper

[jd-science.livejournal.com]

thanks - how would a single individual (non-entrepreneur) sign up for these, though?

Re: Prosper

[mfinnigan.livejournal.com]

Read their sites. Looking at both of them, the person wanting money needs to find a local microfinance institution - presumably one in Africa. Maybe that won't work for your friend's dad's situation? I mean, he could just be some guy in Cairo or Tunis, I don't think there's a lot of microlending in developed urban areas.

So then, there's prosper. There's also Lending Club.

Re: Prosper

[jd-science.livejournal.com]

great - thanks for the info, pointers, and research!