Kiva.org

I recently read an article in Good Magazine about a cool organization called Kiva. They are basically using Paypal to connect small donors/lenders with people in need of loans in the developing world. It reminds me of the Grameen bank, but on a more personal and smaller level. I just signed up and lent some money to two different ladies trying to start business in their countries. If you'd like to participate, check out their website: kiva.org. Keep in mind that these are loans and not donations, so you can expect to get your money back, but are lending the money to someone in need.

What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:

'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'
-- BBC

'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'
-- CNN Money

'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.'
-- The Wall Street Journal

'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.'
-- Entrepreneur Magazine