be a microfinance lender

[bluebird728]

Hope I'm not breaking any forum rules by giving a plug to another organization...

I am a huge believer in organizations that help people to help themselves. (I've been on the receiving side of such help as well.)

I have heard about microfinance organizations that give very small loans to impoverished people to help them with their own small businesses. I always thought it was a great idea, and now there is a website where individuals can become lenders for as little as $25. I have now loaned $50 to a business Uganda and plan to lend a little each month.

The website is http://www.kiva.org

[Samigirl]

It sounds like a great idea in theory, but I'm skeptical the money actually gets to the person to whom you donated. I would be interested in hearing others' experience with this organization.

[Jamauk]

The little bit of research I've done actually leads me to believe kiva is an pretty straight and narrow.

You make your donation as a "loan" and the recipient pays you back, you can then reinvest that money into another small business, transfer it to another person or take your money back.....

My in laws gave everyone a $25 gift certificate to KIVA this year for Christmas. DH are trying to decide which business to donate it to.

[MVS0122]

They've been featured on the Today show and Oprah - it's an amazing idea and they have a really high repayment rate. The recipients get 100% of the loan! You can choose something that you are interested in and help someone better their lives at the same time.

[Samigirl]

Thanks for the information. It sounds like it would be worth looking into. What a great way to help others in need.