I was turned on to Kiva.org about 2 years ago.
It is a very innovative site that lends people in underdeveloped countries around the world money to start small businesses.
You browse the website for those people who are looking for loans and read up on their small business and a little on their background.
The cool part is you cannot lend less than or more than $25.00 to each entrepreneur.
After the loan is fully funded by, maybe 30 or 40 donors online, then the money is distributed by different regulated financial organizations around the globe in each particular region to the small business entrepreneur.
They then start paying the money back each month and the payback amount is divided equally between the donors and it is credited back to your online account!!
You use your credit card to fund your account, and YOU choose whom to lend your $25.00 to.
I've made 9 loans so far, and they've all been paid back on time. So now I'm going to re-lend my $177.50 back out again to those who are in need.
I really like this site because you are lending money and seeing the progress of the person you are helping to be independent and enterprising.
It is a VERY cool organization and very well run.
Give it a try. You'll be glad you did.
WWW.KIVA.ORG
