Kiva--Encouraging Entrepreneurs

Kiva is a way to support microfinance--small loans at interest rates which are low for the area, to entrepreneurs in the third world who generally have little access to alternative means of finance. The result is that many people in the third world are helped.

This happens with minimal cost to the individual lender. You lend in increments of $25, and your loan is bundled with the loans of others to allow larger loans to the borrowers. You get to pick the businesses that you want to support. As they repay, you can take your money out via Paypal, or you can lend to others, watching your money roll over and support a wide range of enterprises. You don't get interest on your money (and yes, you might not get repaid--but this is rare). Still, you have a rare chance to see what your money is accomplishing.

Check it out.

Psalm 112:5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.