When Interlake junior Graham Jordan started Lending Peace nearly a year and a half ago, it was solely out of requirement. In the 18 months since, he has found himself increasingly dedicated to a project that has already begun to realize the fruits of his labor.

Jordan, who completed his International Baccalaureate requirements this term, began the fundraising non-profit in December 2010 to fulfill the group project portion of the IB curriculum. The concept was to raise money throughout the community and distribute the proceeds as micro-loans to give those in poverty an opportunity to begin or expand a business. More economic utility in a neighborhood provides jobs and opportunities, giving people an alternative to turning to gangs or other means of gaining stability. So rather than just loaning out money, the group is quite literally, lending peace.

Jordan, also a sub-district qualifier for the Saints in track and field, became interested in micro-finance after reading about how direct donations in the wake of the Haiti earthquake eventually carried some unintended consequences.

“There was a huge influx of free food, which was obviously a good thing,” Jordan said. “But it bankrupted many of the businesses that still existed and when the charity ran dry, they were left in an even worse state.”

The reality of direct donations, Jordan said, is that while they provide for an immediate need, they do not aid the sustained progress or redevelopment of a community. That’s where Lending Peace steps in, lending a small amount that can have a major impact.

Thus far, it has connected with eight people in countries from Ghana to Senegal and Iraq to provide start-up money or expansion costs. The clients are small business owners who can use the micro-loans (as little as $25) to purchase inventory, improve infrastructure or hire employees to help increase production capacity. Unlike traditional lenders that focus primarily on macro-loans in first-world countries, Lending Peace’s unique standing as a non-profit financier allows it to lend amounts that are practical for those in impoverished communities or underdeveloped regions. The results thus far have been encouraging.

“It’s cool seeing the money have an impact on people’s lives,” Jordan said. “What’s even better than loaning the money is the repayment because that means they are not only using the money, but are becoming sustainable enough to repay it.”

The organization has hosted concerts for local bands, been part of a promotion at Peak’s Frozen Yogurt and Rudy’s Barbershop and later this month will hold an outing to a Mariners games with discounted tickets. Jordan said his goal with any fundraiser is to make it something that others can become excited about and want to be involved in.

“I don’t like to go around just asking for money,” Jordan said. “The fundraisers are always events, something that people can have fun with.”

His long term goal is to build Lending Peace into a self-sustaining, autonomous fundraising and micro-loaning organization. In the interim, he has teamed with Kiva, an international fundraising outlet that partners micro-lenders around the world with fundraising outfits such as Lending Peace. Partnering with Kiva, which stations people around the world to give its lenders a face, also allows Jordan to focus his time on the fundraising arm of the organization, rather than becoming overwhelmed with the back-end financing or being forced to pay hired help.

“There are always continual costs associated with loaning money,” he said. “Right now, it is nice because I don’t have to pay anyone a salary.”

While he eventually hopes to complete a degree and pursue a career in finance, Lending Peace is also in the plans for Jordan’s future. After founding the organization and watching it continue to grow, he can’t imagine abandoning it.

“I thought it was cool to use finance in a positive way,” Jordan said. “We want to continue to raise the pool of money for those loans and keep the process going.”

For more information on Lending Peace, how to get involved or make a donation, visit them online.

Josh Suman: jsuman@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-5045.