Microfinance involves providing small loans, savings, and other basic financial services to low-income individuals who lack access to traditional banking. Common microfinance models include individual lending, group lending where members are jointly liable for loans, and village banking where elected local leaders manage loan funds. Kiva plays a role in online social lending by connecting individual lenders with microfinance institutions and entrepreneurs in need of small loans to start or grow businesses. Kiva Fellows help vet borrowers and ensure transparency in the lending process.