Here's a gift you can give that really does keep on giving. And it's a gift that can change lives.
I just read an article about Kiva, a non-profit organization that connects givers to needy businesses in Africa. Through this organization, you can make a micro-loan - as little as $25 - to an entrepreneur in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania. Once the loan is paid back, you can turn around and loan it to another business. This means your initial gift can help someone again and again.
The UN has been trying to promote microcredit for some time, going so far as to name 2005 the International Year of Microcredit. Unfortunately, however, most companies involved want to make a profit. And microcredit so far has been an unprofitable business, at least in Africa. Enter Kiva.
Kiva is a non-profit organization that is funded by a group of well-to-do philanthropists in the San Francisco Bay Area and neighboring Silicon Valley. Because of this, Kiva is able to let every dollar loaned through them pass directly through to the entrepreneurs. Now, how cool is that?
I hope you'll take a moment to take a look at Kiva's website. Even more, I hope you'll contribute to their efforts. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.
I just read an article about Kiva, a non-profit organization that connects givers to needy businesses in Africa. Through this organization, you can make a micro-loan - as little as $25 - to an entrepreneur in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania. Once the loan is paid back, you can turn around and loan it to another business. This means your initial gift can help someone again and again.
The UN has been trying to promote microcredit for some time, going so far as to name 2005 the International Year of Microcredit. Unfortunately, however, most companies involved want to make a profit. And microcredit so far has been an unprofitable business, at least in Africa. Enter Kiva.
Kiva is a non-profit organization that is funded by a group of well-to-do philanthropists in the San Francisco Bay Area and neighboring Silicon Valley. Because of this, Kiva is able to let every dollar loaned through them pass directly through to the entrepreneurs. Now, how cool is that?
I hope you'll take a moment to take a look at Kiva's website. Even more, I hope you'll contribute to their efforts. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.
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