Like many businesses, Fortress Learning has a referral fee mechanism to reward referrals. The difference is that they provide the option to donate this referral fee to Kiva as part of their corporate giving programme.
Owners Chris Gribble and Bryan West made this great strategic decision before making their first dollar. This is a brilliant example of walking your talk, by building in generosity from day one.
Apparently the suggestion came from a student who wanted to donate their referral fee to Kiva. According to Bryan: "We have had a Kiva account since December 2009 In that time we have made 279 loans. We have deposited just under $3000 in that time. ... [As repayments are reinvested], the total amount loaned is [now] just under $14000."
"The decision about who to lend to is made entirely by our team of Trainers' Assistants. Once a month they get together and reallocate any repaid monies from past loans, and add new funds from students who have chosen to pay it forward over the past month."
Visit their Kiva lender page.
I recently completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with Fortress Learning; and found their course comprehensive and cost effective, and their trainers knowledgeable and responsive. If you are thinking of taking on some learning this year, check out Fortress Learning. They are worth supporting.
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