A new way to give

So I don't often get super excited about things. However, when I do, I get REALLY excited!

Kiva is one of those things. I was introduced to the organization by family friends. Kiva is not a charity, it's a microloan organization. They work with field partners all around the world that give people loans to fund their business. It's not charity, it's a loan so it is expected to be paid back to you. It has a powerful effect though.

You get to choose who you would like to fund, research the field partners for risk and then loan as little as $25.

Currently, I'm helping a beauty salon and grocery store in Nigeria and a food stall in Ghana. These are real women with real ambition to bring their family out of poverty and send their children to school.

You can also be a part of teams, or small communities of loaners with similar interests. I'm part of Kiva Christians and it's amazing the dialogue people have, sharing all the organizations out there to give.

It's amazing how fast projects are funded, usually within a day. Sometimes, they even have trouble when people want to lend, but there are not enough borrowers!

If you're interested in helping out, you can go to Kiva's main site, www.kiva.org or if you would like more information, watch this video from a Kiva volunteer that explains the process.