8/13 Roundup

In the roundup today I’m passing along another new-to-me organization, thinking about the mechanics of microlending, and encouraging everyone to read the Skoll Foundation’s blog.

• OptINnow is a slightly different take on the Kiva model (see Monday’s post for another version) offered by Opportunity International, the Christian anti-poverty group. The biggest difference? Instead of a loan, you make a donation that is then lent out, collected, and re-lent.
• Ignacio Mas at CGAP shares about the recent class he gave on “branchless” banking for microfinance. Why is this article interesting? Mostly because it describes some of the challenges of banking to the poor: how do you reduce transaction costs of payouts and payments when your borrowers live in sparsely populated areas? who are the agents of loan distribution and repayment, and how are they compensated? (more)
• Finally, take a look at Social Edge, the Skoll Foundation’s blog. If you ever need a pick-me-up, Social Edge highlights world-changing individuals motivated by a desire to do good. It’s candy for your soul.