Loans That Change Lives From their website http://www.kiva.org : "Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. By choosing a loan on Kiva, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the entrepreneur you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back."
There are several Rochesterians involved in lending money through Kiva. One of the nice things about this company is it allows you to make a simple loan of as little as $25 and you can pool your money together with other lenders, yet you do not have to manage it, Kiva does all of the work. When the loan is repayed, you receive your money back and are free to reinvest it however you see fit. On their website you can read through the journals of the peple you have helped and see what progress they are making.
They also keep track of how the loan is being repaid etc etc. Yes, it is a self serving make you feel good sort of thing, you get a personal profile page and you are linked with the person you are sending money to (if you choose) in "myspace" style, but it truly is a fantastic company making a huge impact on peoples lives empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty and make an economic impact in their villages.