http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=571
If you haven’t yet had a look at the Kiva website, I encourage you to do so. It’s a program that pools multiple small donations to grant micro-loans to Third World entrepreneurs. The money is paid back in increments, and upon the closing of the account your donation can either be withdrawn or put towards another individual’s loan. Should the business owner default on the loan, the lender receives a tax credit. I’ve invested $25 in Catherine Lumonya – a fellow clothing store owner for whom I felt an affinity – and already she has paid back $50 of her $500 loan. I heartily recommend this service as a simple yet efficient way to make a huge impact on the life of a complete stranger.