HP’s “Matter to A Million” Partnership with Kiva Gains Momentum

Marlon Evans is a Global Partnerships Manager at HP.

Thousands of entrepreneurs around the world have received microloans from HP employees since Matter to a Million, the Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation’s partnership with Kiva, bolted out of the start gate after its launch in February.A five-year, global partnership between the HP Company Foundation and non-profit Kiva, “Matter to a Million” gives every HP employee a $25 credit to lend to borrowers on Kiva.

By the end of March, more than $2.5 million in loans were made and 31% of employees - more than 70,000 – had participated.

Matter to a Million supports our vision for HP Living Progress by helping businesses and economies thrive – one loan at a time!

More than 86 thousand HP employees have already shared more than $2.5 million in loans to help farmers, teachers, doctors, and business owners grow their businesses and help their communities. The HP team has already made almost 100,000 loans, and the numbers grow every day!

So far, HP employees are sharing the most loans in the agriculture, food and retail sectors. The top countries receiving the loans are: Kenya, the Philippines, El Salvador and India, although thousands of loans are also going to help communities in Europe and North America.

Matter to a Million has struck a chord with HP employees around the world. The HP team page on Kiva has received a deluge of positive comments. For example, Ruth Nelson, an HP employee based in Brisbane, Australia, said, “Just made my loan in this wonderful program. Not only did I make a loan but I got to be the last person to fund the project I chose. I am so excited that, through the generosity of this program, we are able to make a difference. Can't wait to tell everyone I work with.

In fact, “Matter to a Million” has inspired some HP employees to lend their own money, in addition to the $25 kick start from the HP Foundation. This spirit of generosity and teamwork is exactly what we hope to encourage through all our HP Living Progress programs.

This map highlights the areas where HP’s loans are benefitting communities.

Matter to a Million -- helping empower entrepreneurs around the world to create jobs, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving economy.

For more information on “Matter to a Million,” watch the launch video we distributed to our employees or visit our HP team page on Kiva’s website.