KIVA.com is a San Francisco-based non-profit, micro-finance organization with a mission to alleviate poverty, allowing individuals to lend as little as $25 to help create opportunities for poor people in 69 countries.

Since Kiva was founded in 2005 there have been 954,525 lenders and $450,382,425 dispersed in loans. Repayment rate is 99%. You don’t get interest on your loan, but when it is repaid you can either get the money back or re-lend. Kiva is primarily funded through the support of lenders making optional donations and funds through grants, corporate sponsors, and foundations. 100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes directly towards funding loans; Kiva does not take a cut.

There are a host of good causes. This is my personal favourite. I have made 241 microloans so far and have had only one default.

Practically nothing to lose, and much pleasure to gain, knowing you are helping people trying to get out of poverty. An Epicurean project. Make a loan on KIVA.com