What we believe

Supporting owl conservation in Cornwall

All through our working lives we have offered our time and skills to causes we support. At present Onlineability is working with the Screech Owl Sanctuary at Indian Queens, near Bodmin, Cornwall, to update and re-develop its website.

The sanctuary provides care and rehabilitation for sick and injured wild owls in the county. Where possible it ensures their safe release back to the wild when they are fully recovered. But, if the bird is permanently disabled, it becomes a resident of the sanctuary and is cared for there.

We're delighted to have this opportunity to work with the sanctuary - for the technically-minded, we'll be migrating the site to a Wordpress platform with all the modern features that this software offers. We'll also be re-skinning it with a customised design.

We strongly recommend a visit; you can find details here. Other ways of supporting its work include sponsoring an owl or taking part in one of its falconry experiences alongside falconer Mark Whittaker - something else that we can personally recommend.

Lending through Kiva

Kiva is a San Francisco-based not-for-profit organisation that matches people in the developed world with entrepreneurs in the developing world seeking finance for a specific project - often buying stock or equipment for their business.

Visit the Kiva website here >>

Kiva says: "When you browse entrepreneurs' profiles, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community." If we needed business cash, we'd approach a bank or building society - but that option simply isn't there for Kiva's entrepreneurs.

You can track the progress of the people you lend money to and, when the loan is repaid, withdraw or lend again. Both Lisa and Andy, Onlineability's principals, have individually lent money through Kiva and we find it immensely satisfying. Self-employment has added hugely to the quality of our lives and we love the idea of being able to assist people in the developing world towards the same satisfaction that we've enjoyed.

Plus, the amounts involved are ones that most people wouldn't hesitate to spend on a meal or a weekend shopping trip in Britain. And yet they make a huge difference to people in Africa, South America or the former Soviet republics. What's more important? No contest.

Some people do have concerns about microfinance and whether loans to very poor people really are more effective than, for example, making a donation to a development charity. That's a decision for the individual - but here are some links with more information about the microfinance movement to help you get an overview of the subject:

Here's an item about lending with Kiva from Frontline Planet, a programme broadcast on the US PBS network: