I just made a loan to someone in the developing world using a website called Kiva. You can go to Kiva’s website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the business is going. The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva’s loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

The entrepreneur receiving my loan is named Ashurov Ravshan and lives in Tajikistan. He still needs another $425.00 to complete their loan request of $1,050.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). The money I contributed toward Ashurov’s loan will go toward purchasing a horn pedigree bull and pedigree milk cow. Help me get this business off the ground by to make a loan to Ashurov Ravshan too.

It’s finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they’re using it for. And most of all, I know that I’m helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

UPDATE: Ashurov’s loan request has been met. Best wishes on the new pedigree animals Ashurov!