KIVA -www.kiva.org

Most of the things we hear about the internet are either bad or stupid. Pornography, phishing, junk mail and inanities like You Tube dominate the presence of the internet in our lives. However, someone finally figured out something that the internet can really do to make this world a better place and that's Kiva. Kiva is "loans that change lives" and is a website that enables anyone, with any amount of money to give to make a difference in the world.

From their website:

We let you loan to the working poor

      

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses     in the developing world.  By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can     "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great     strides towards economic independence.  Throughout the course of the     loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from     the business you've sponsored.  As loans are repaid, you get your loan     money back.

      

    

We partner with organizations all over the world

    

         

Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions.  In doing so,     we gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished     communities world-wide.  Our partners are experts in choosing     qualified borrowers.  That said, they are usually short on     funds. Through Kiva.org, our partners upload their borrower profiles     directly to the site so you can lend to them.

Take a minute of your life to visit Kiva and make a difference in the world you live in.