Want to Make a Difference? Consider Micro-Lending
If you’re daunted by giving to a large non-profit, consider supporting a smaller organization or even a business through micro-lending. Organizations like Kiva.org and MicroPlace.com allow you to support entrepreneurs (usually in developing countries) get their businesses up and running and help support their families.
The best part is, the money you give is actually a loan. The sites boast repayment rates close to 100 percent. So not only will you be able to help improve the quality of someone’s life, but you’ll be able to reinvest that money in another project afterward.
Get more ideas for donating and giving back.
We’re donating $1 for every Facebook share, Facebook like, and Tweet (up to $1,000) on the posts tagged charity from November 15th on. The donations will go to Donor’s Choose projects that have been started to help classrooms affected by the storm.
You can find out more about Donor’s Choose here, and we’ll let you know when we’ve reached our $1,000 goal. So, start sharing and help us get these classes back in session.
After several tour experiences with EnVia, a group in Oaxaca Mexico that provides interest-free business loans to indigenous women, I am a committed supporter of micro-financing. The EnVia group takes the experience one step further in promoting Responsible Tourism. Being able to visit the women in their businesses and homes provides the connect that allows me to see the responsible use of my money in action. Thanks for your commitment to micro-lending. I hope your readers give themselves the gift that micro-lending is sure to return.
Micro Lending is undoubtedly the best way to help the poor in many ways as most of the banks would refuse to provide a loan unless you have a healthy transaction or you have equivalent mortgage. Also it provides the flexibility of repayment and you can invest that money again for another person and hence it helps to maintain the flow/cycle even with a very small amount.