I have made micro loans to KIVA & it feels so good to help people. Some of the requests are bigger but your money is pooled with other small amounts to make up the larger amount. I always got my money back and just re-invested it. It's amazing amounts so small can change people's whole life.

These folks are in the business of setting up micro-financing to help folks all over the world who want to improve they lives by starting, expanding or improving a business, getting an education, improving their homes, etc. A very small added fee ($3.25) for a $25.00 loan is all the "Administration fee that doesn't go to the borrower. AS the borrower pays back the money you can re-lend it to another borrower, donate it to KIVA operations or have it refunded to you. Since there are many lenders whose money is pooled for the loan there risk is small. I have made over 125 loans over the past several years and only had a couple of defaults. This is a great way to help other help themselves--not a hand out by a helping hand that preserves the dignity of the folks receiving the help.

Kiva is a reputable organization that enables microloans to deserving people worldwide. They've had a positive and meaningful impact on many people ... and their gift certificates can be great gifts for kids and people who already have everything they need.