matsu » developing countries http://mat.su matsu (n): japanese for pine tree Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:36:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Kiva – global micro-funding project http://mat.su/kiva-global-micro-funding-project/ http://mat.su/kiva-global-micro-funding-project/#comments Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:37:29 +0000 Pedro Pinheiro http://mat.su/?p=554 My friend Ana has written on her blog about this very interesting project: Kiva.org – it’s a system that allows people in developing countries to receive micro-credit from anyone who wants to “invest” online with them, through local platforms.  You can browse the many small projects around the world on their website, and you can start lending from as little as $25 USD.  Each project will show how you will get repaid, the repay rate for each borrower, and a memo about the project itself.  A small, interest free credits market.  You can also add a donation to what you lend.  After lending:

  • 100% of your funds will be sent to our local partner who will disburse your loan
  • You’ll receive periodic updates showing the impact of your loan
  • Once your loan is fully repaid, you may withdraw the funds or sponsor a new entrepreneur

They work with Paypal and credit cards.  If you usually donate money, or if you don’t donate money because you follow the “give them fishes vs. teach them to fish” motto this might be an excellent addition or alternative to making this a better world for all.

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