I just joined Kiva.org

[Crazy Dave]

www.kiva.org

Anybody else involved as a lender?

Edit: My first loan http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=13070

[TBreeze]

1. That's great!

I remember seeing something about this, I think it was on a PBS show a while back. It's something I thought about after watching the show, but forgot to bookmark. So thanks for the link!

[Crazy Dave]

2. I actually heard about it on NPR two days ago in my car....

....and had to look it up once I got home.

I think it a great idea and since there's actually on-the-ground people who maintain an oversight over this it's not like a typical internet scam :hi:

[chaska]

3. What's the deal with that site, are Americans barred from receiving loans?

I went there earlier today. Didn't see a single American requesting a loan. I know Americans that are poorer than many of these no doubt deserving people. Just sayin'...

[Crazy Dave]

4. Try Prosper

It's also legit

www.prosper.com

Edit: With Prosper you earn or pay interest for the loans. On Kiva you donate solely to help people out and you only get back the money you loaned which you can keep or re-loan to others.

[TBreeze]

5. There's also

http://www.modestneeds.org/

It works from donations rather than loans, but is still aimed at helping struggling people.

[Ariana Celeste]

6. I plan to join...

as soon as I am employed again. :D I saw a show on PBS on it, I think it's a wonderful idea! You know of course the old saying, teach a man to fish... :hi:

[Crazy Dave]

7. Very true and the domino effect

Not only does it help the owners and their families, they in turn make their community a better place too by offering goods and services we take for granted to areas that are not considered commercially viable. It can also create more jobs in said communities by them expanding their stores or increasing production on their farms, etc.

Good luck on your employment situation :hi:

[wain]

8. A wonderful way to help others working/struggling to get ahead

All of your money is applied to a loan and you select the loanee. Moreover, your loan money can be applied over and over to many people. An impressive organization dedicated to micro loans helping others.