I Heart Kiva
I wrote about Kiva a couple months ago, but I'm loving it even more after seeing this great Frontline piece on Kiva (wish I could embed it here, Frontline people!)
Kiva aggregates small loans--think $25--from (relatively) rich people like you and me, and loans the money to entrepreneurs in the third world to help build their businesses.
So far, they've loaned more than $1M and repayment rates are above 95%.
Kiva is what Web 2.0 should be about--filling a real need, connecting people who can help each other, and making a system more efficient... i.e. not another social bookmarking tool.
I've added a small Kiva ad to the right sidebar. Wish there was some way to get feedback on how it's doing, Kiva folks!
Also, VentureVoice did a podcast with Kiva's Premal Shah. Haven't listened to it yet, but I'm assured it's quite good.
So check out Kiva.org! Their gift certificates make great christmas presents (shh, don't tell, but they certainly will for my family :)
Technorati Tags: christmas, frontline, kiva, microfinance, premal shah, venturevoice, web 2.0
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Absolutely. I just finished buying gift certificates from Kiva to give to both of my parents as Christmas gifts. What better thing to give to people who don't really need any more material possessions? Plus, I think my folks will really enjoy getting updates from the person they choose to fund.
That's pretty cool. I talked my wife into giving them some money. It may not have the tax advantages of other charities but it sure feels better.