Kiva, an inspiring microlending organization, is linking individual lenders like you and I to entrepreneurs in the developing world who are working toward lifting themselves out of poverty and achieving financial independence.

Kiva has teamed up with several other microfinance institutions, who’ve done a great job at selecting qualified entrepreneurs in countries all over the world, but who have trouble meeting the financial needs of so many people. Enter wonderful you! For as little as $25 you can sponsor an entrepreneur of your choice and help the world’s working poor to buy the necessary inventory and supplies they need to grow their businesses. Loans are paid back to you within approximately 6-12 months, and throughout the course of the loan you’ll receive email updates about the status of the entrepreneur you’ve sponsored.

I Heart Kiva! I was so inspired by this organization, I signed up to sponsor a group of business women in Uganda as soon as I read about it. I even got to view profiles of other people who had provided loans to this group of entrepreneurs, furthering the sense of community and connection. Here’s a picture of the Nabweru South Group, and an excerpt about their business objectives:

Aida is 30 years old and divorced with three children. She sells used clothes to earn a living. She wants to use the extra business profits to start purchasing fruits and vegetables for sale. Grace sells raw foodstuffs and wants to use the extra profits to add inventory. Afua offers catering services; she wants to purchase more untensils with the loan. Grace and Irene sell new clothes and they want to use the loan to increase their stock.

Signing up with Kiva is simple, rewarding, and is a real and connected way to make a difference in people’s lives:

1) by visiting Kiva online at www.kiva.org, and learn about what they do. Also take a look at the microfinance FAQ here.

2) Visit their lending section and browse various entrepreneur activities, their location, and a description of their proposed financial project.

3) Choose an entrepreneur, and click “lend now.” Before checking out, you’ll have the opportunity to create a profile so that the entrepreneurs you sponsor can get to know you as well