KIVA - Micro Loans That Change Lives!

On VONCIGARS we are busy with all aspects of the good life but we do not forget to count and appreciate our blessings. Part of that, specifically at the beginning of a New Year is to share some of our blessings and give to others, less fortunate than us. I always find it hard to find a cause and an organization to which I feel good giving. I do not care to see 80% of my donation going up in financing the overhead of big organizations instead of going to the cause itself. I also feel that empowering people to help themselves is way above and beyond just helping them out with goods and cash. Now there is KIVA!
KIVA lets you lend money directly to a specific small entrepreneur in the developing world - empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty. Usually these people look for loans between $100 and $2,000. You can get in on the action for as little as $25! In most cases the loan required is given by a group of different people that build a little network around the person that is the borrower. By choosing a business through www.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, which is usually 6-12 months, you will even receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. And best of all - believe it or not - you will get your money back! KIVA actually has an outstanding repayment record of over 96% so far! KIVA partners up with existing microfinance institutions. In doing so, they gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities world wide. KIVA is using the power of the internet to facilitate one-to-one connections between you and real people who need a loan. You need to go to their site and get involved. This is a great idea and a great cause too. It is affordable for any budget and it is a ton of fun on top of everything! I'm sure you will like this a lot and make KIVA part of your giving a gift which truly keeps on giving!