FAQs
Thanks for visiting our FAQ page. For any questions you may have that are not addressed below, we invite you to contact us at staff@friendsofkibera.org.
What is microfinance?
Microfinance involves a small business loan made to an entrepreneurial person not served by banks because of his or her poverty and lack of collateral. Along with basic business training, mentoring, financial planning, and leadership development, microfinance enables an individual to create a better life through a profitable business.How do your program goals fit into the Millennium Development Goals?
Our program best fits the Millennium Development Goal of promoting gender equality and empowering women.Why does Friends of Kibera partner with organizations that primarily assist women?
Women consistently put the interests of their families first in impoverished countries, leading to an overall improvement for an entire family instead of just one individual. A woman is more likely to send her children to school, to reinvest her energy and profits in her family and community, and strive to leave her situation better than she found it. Additionally, women do not generally have the same opportunities in the developing world as men.How can I fundraise?
Supporters of Friends of Kibera can engage in any form of fundraising from dinner and birthday parties to school collections to bake sales for the benefit of our partnerships. If you are interested in hosting a fundraising event and contributing to our success, check out our Powerpoint presentation, brochures and photos in the Media Gallery section.How can I support Friends of Kibera?
Donations in any denomination assist Friends of Kibera to improve the lives of hard-working women and their families. All donations are tax-deductible, and may be sent via cash, check, or money order. In-kind donations including professional advice, computers, or other services are also welcomed. For additional information about donations, including mailing addresses, please visit the Donate Now page.What impact can $100 make?
In the developing world, $100 has the same effect that $10,000 has in the developed world. It can provide the capital necessary for an individual to start their own business or send their children to school for a year.Why should I support this organization when there are immediate needs in the developed world?
In the developing world money and in-kind support go much further than in the developed world, and consistently provide a tangible change that often benefits entire communities all at once.What percentage of Friends of Kibera’s expenditures go directly to your partnerships?
Friends of Kibera is committed to minimizing its administrative and fundraising expenses, aiming to keep these expenses at 10 percent or less of our total costs. This allows for us to donate at least a full 90 percent of all money raised directly to our partnerships, well above the 75 percent standard.How can I learn more about Friends of Kibera?
Our website contains the best and most comprehensive source of information about Friends of Kibera. Here you can find details on our partnerships, and browse media resources documenting the work we do. We also continually add new information, spotlight stories, and other content that we think will interest you and invite you to check back with us often.
Additionally, if you'd like to receive updates on our work, please sign up for our quarterly email newsletter or become a fan on Facebook in the boxes at the left.When and where did Friends of Kibera start?
Friends of Kibera began on July 20th, 2009, and is an American-based non-profit entity.