In a previous post, I wrote about Bloggers Unite, a cool organization started by the people at Blogcatalog.com. Check out my post and their website if you’re not familiar with Bloggers Unite.

December 17: Acts of Kindness

Yesterday was the date for all the participating bloggers to perform their “Act of Kindness.” For my good deed, I gave to the non-profit Kiva.

This is the first time I’ve ever donated to any charity - besides the bell ringers outside Wal-Mart. I had been interested in Kiva for a while now, and took this as an opportunity to finally go through with my donation.

What’s so great about it?

Kiva is all about entrepreneurship, and that’s why their mission really hits home for me. Through Kiva, one can give no-interest microloans to small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing countries. Kiva is one of the few non-profits that use the capitalist process to aid developing nations. They’re helping normal poor folks get on their feet and build a stable income for themselves and their families. Giving to Kiva helps impoverished communities build the social and economic infrastructure necessary to pull their countries up to first world status.

How does it work?

Charities like Kiva essentially cut the middle man out of the picture. They work directly with microloan agencies that operate in various countries. By circumventing the corrupt governments that run many 3rd world countries, the money stays out of the hands of greedy bureaucrats and goes directly to the people who will use it effectively.

Additionally, Kiva let’s you decide where your money will go. Each business or entrepreneur has a profile page with names and pictures of the entrepreneur/s, field of business, and what they specifically need capital for. For $25 you can sponsor a business to help them, for example, buy a sewing machine. Kiva promotes fiscal responsiblity by requiring the loans to be repaid after 6-12 months. They even keep you updated on the progress the people have made after getting the money. How cool is that?

I sponsored a dude named Ali Mounzer from Lebanon. He runs a car repair shop and needs money to buy tools and materials for his business. Good luck Ali!

I’m currently working on an essay about charities and why non-profits like Kiva are so effective. Please take a gander at that post when it’s up. In the meantime, make sure you check out the Bloggers Unite page, and Kiva.org.

Thanks!

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