If you want to help a poor person in a developing or third world, giving to charities is not the answer.  Money soon runs out and the person is now dependent on that charitable offering again (most likely). Not if you have a plan to do something with the funds - like create a business. Well that is what Kiva does. It is a lending organization that enables people like you and me to give to person who is in need. They have third party organizations that vet the claims and uses of funds for these individuals. Typical borrower is looking at buying a cow, buy products for a local store or fix a taxi for his/her business. You can read about the stories of these people and give in increments of $25. These funds are returned in the future as the person is building credit! For those that are skeptical you can most likely get a tax deduction for the donation and keep the funds in the system. Kiva has been around for 2 years and raised over USD$ 7 million for people in need. Browse around and see if a story touches you. If you make a donation see what happens and spread the word.

 

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