Kiva is all about facilitating microfinance between people like you and me and entrepreneurs in the developing world, thereby creating a global lending community. The gist is this: you go on Kiva's website and find an entrepreneur you'd like to support. You donate some money,the money is distributed by Kiva's field partners, and as they build their business they pay you back. You can then reinvest the money in another entrepreneur. Pretty cool huh? The process promotes dignity, accountability and transparency, and allows someone in the developing world to change their life. And, almost 83% of loans have been distributed to female entrepreneurs. Go ladies!
I hope you're inspired to give more to Kiva. Its a sustainable, sensible way to help and your heart can feel happy knowing that you've helped someone help themselves.
*All images courtesy of Kiva.org