This a great opportunity to engage or re-engage your interact advisors and students. The project is simple. I am having one of the clubs put through a District Managed Grant for $6,000, which the District is funding. We are going to use Kiva as a microfinance platform, because we've already had great experience with it both with some Rotarians in our district using it, as well as the Marblehead Interact Club using it successfully for many years. We plan to create separate accounts on Kiva for each Interact Club that wants to participate. The accounts will be set up in the Rotary Club's name but you should provide the Interact Club with the login information and let your Interactors decide which projects to fund. As the loans are repaid over time the funds go back into your account and are available to be re-loaned.
Rotary Clubs need to apply by December 30th to participate in this program. There is an online application here and clubs and interactors should watch the MicroFinance YouTube video on our District Website or by clicking here.
Once we know how many Rotary/Interact Clubs will be participating we will divide the grant money equally and set up the accounts.
After your Interactors have chosen their projects to fund, I would like a 3-5 minute video from the Interact Club telling which projects they chose and why. This will be presented at the World Peace and Understanding Dinner. Please have all students sign release forms for the District to have their images and videos shown.
I am hoping you all take advantage of this opportunity to enrich our Interact Students, and your club as well as our District.
In addition, DGE Alexander Falk has created a wonderful page on NEPETS House of Friendship website with invaluable information and tips about Interact Microfinance District Grants. It can be found here.
If you have any questions, you can contact me directly at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com or DGE Alexander Falk at al+7930@falk.us.