Baltimore, MD.- July 1, 2024– Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) is excited to announce
becoming The Capital Access Manager for KIVA’s new hub which will be located at the new
headquarters on 309 N. Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21201 due to open in late 2024/early
2025.
M&T Bank, a supporter of BCL, is donating $100,000 in support of BCL’s Technical
Assistance Program and the funds will be used to support KIVA’s online lending platform.
The donation will enable the hiring of a capital access manager and cover the Kiva hub fees
for the first two years to greatly enhance the support infrastructure for local entrepreneurs.
“This M&T donation will support our expanded efforts to provide financial literacy training
and coaching to budding entrepreneurs”, said Bonnie Crockett, VP & Director of Small
Business Lending.
The KIVA Hub will allow BCL to assist small businesses in applying for 0% interest loans
through the Kiva program. It will provide essential financial support and offer entrepreneurs
a platform to engage with crowdfunding and share their unique stories with a broader
audience, significantly enhancing the support infrastructure for local entrepreneurs.
“We are proud to partner with M&T Bank on this initiative,” said Watchen Bruce, President
and CEO of Baltimore Community Lending. “Their support enables us to further our efforts
in empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the economic fabric of our communities.”
Lyndsae’ Peele, Kiva Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Manager, added, “Kiva is excited to expand
our ability to provide zero-interest loans and valuable exposure to countless aspiring
business owners, helping them to succeed and thrive in a competitive market.”
About Baltimore Community Lending
Baltimore Community Lending, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development
Financial Institution (CDFI) and mission-based lender serving the Baltimore metro area.
BCL is 100% dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending products to help low income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities join the economic mainstream. BCL makes loans and provides training to small business owners and real
estate developers committed to developing underserved neighborhoods.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York.
M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in
12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trustrelated services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington
Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit
www.mtb.com.
About Kiva Online Lending Platform
Kiva is a global nonprofit, founded in 2005, with a mission to expand financial access and
help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through
crowdfunded loans supported by individuals around the world. Lenders on Kiva can start
with as little as $25 to support causes that matter most to them, whether that’s gender
equity and support for women, refugees, climate change, small businesses, agriculture,
and more. Since our founding, over two million people have invested $1.9 billion in real
dreams and real opportunity, spanning more than 90 countries and 4.7 million borrowers.
Jessica Brockington
Marketing and Communicating Officer
Jessica.brockington@bclending.org
W- 410.727.8590
C- 443.948.2551
