Kiva

I read an article on Kiva: loans that change lives and I'm really excited about it. What Kiva does is connects you to small businesses in the developing world that need loans to get up and running or to expand. You read through their website and pick a business or two (or several), you make a loan using your credit card, Kiva transfers the funds, once the loan is paid back you may receive your money back or loan again. I love the concept -- it seems that you can really help someone help themselves. Oftentimes banks won't loan to these folks since they are poor. The loan sizes are really small (a donation of $25 is all that's being requested per loaner) and I just love that it's a concrete way you can assist someone to better their lives, someone who wants to work hard (and is working hard) but just needs some assistance.

Here's a link to one of the businesses I made a loan to. I'm really psyched to help this woman!