Kiva

Have you heard of Kiva?

From their website:  "We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes directly towards funding loans; Kiva does not take a cut. Furthermore, Kiva does not charge interest to our Field Partners, who administer the loans.
Kiva is primarily funded through the support of lenders making optional donations. We also raise funds through grants, corporate sponsors, and foundations.

We are incredibly thankful for the support that has enabled us to do the work that has touched the lives of so many people".

My Aunt (hi Aunt Pat!) gave me a Kiva gift card for a Christmas gift 2 Christmases ago.  I have been giving loans via Kiva for all this time.  Every loan I make has been paid back and I then reinvest the money into another loan and give Kiva.org a little bit to help "behind the scenes".

I simply:

1.  Make a loan on Kiva. All Kiva loans are made possible by our Field Partners, who vet, administer, and disburse each loan.

2.  Throughout the life of the loan, you will see progress updates from Kiva through your email, and if you come back to the site.

3.  As the borrower repays the loan, the money becomes available in your account. This is called your Kiva Credit.

4.  You can now use it to fund another loan, donate it to Kiva, or withdraw it to spend on something else.

I currently have given 27 loans to 16 different countries!  Most of the loans are to women in business.

It is a wonderful program!  I love helping and reading the success stories.  

Visit them!  Or better yet, let me send you an invitation (email) and we both will received a credit to lend out for free! 

http://www.kiva.org/