Micro-loans to developing countries

Loan tiny sums to micro-enterprises in the developing world.

Kiva.org is the world’s first peer-to-peer, distributed microloan website. A great idea where PayPal meets Gates Foundation. The site allows you to lend a small amount of money, say $25, to needy microenterprises in developing countries. You receive repayment at the end of the loan period (normally 6-12 months) without interest. If they default on the loan, your loan becomes a donation – though none of the businesses have defaulted yet.

It's a great low-risk, high-reward idea...I just think you should get some kind of return for it. I mean, philanthropy is nice but if these guys become millionaires, you think they'll lend you $25 back?

From BoingBoing.