Kiva: A good place to lend money

I lended $25 to an international project last week.  I know it sounds a little shady, but I did it through Kiva.org.

At the website, you can select the country, project and group/person who will get the money.  The money is loaned, sometimes guaranteed for repayment.  More often, the repayment is not guaranteed.

The money is gradually paid back as the business or project succeeds.

I figure I am not out much if I don't see the money back, but it is a neat way to help out others.