you, too, can be a world-changing microfinancier. After reading about microfinancing in Ellen Lupton’s post at the “Design Your Life” blog, I just made loans to two seamstresses—one in Uganda, and one in Mexico. Says Kiva.org,
You can go to Kiva’s website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business – like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent – and you get updates letting you know how the business is going.
The minimum loan is $25. You pay via Paypal, but 100 percent of the loan goes to the entrepreneur; Paypal does not take its usual cut. When your loan is repaid, you can either withdraw the funds or reloan to a new person.
I think it’s a cool thing.
wow! that is a cool thing. i have to go over and check it out.
Thanks for your post on Kiva. You’ve provided your readers with a unique opportunity to get connected with a worthy cause, in a relevant and practical manner. Thanks for your support!
Tim (volunteer with Kiva.org)
Man, and look how hard-working those Kiva volunteers are—scanning blogs for mentions after midnight on a Sunday!