How to Use the Internet to Make a Big Difference with Small Gifts and Loans

Be a giver! You don't need much money to make a big difference in people's lives. Use the power of the Internet to find places to make small loans or gifts directly to the people who need it the most. Put a micro loan or gift in action!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A web browser

1. Keep safety in mind. I checked the sites I mention in this article. Many more sites exist on the Internet. Always check privacy policies and look at background information on the site to be sure your money and information is safe and going to a trustworthy organization. Check the Resources for Give, which reports on many charities.
2. Kiva is a worldwide loan network. You loan money to specific entrepreneurs in developing counties. With loans as small as $25, you can help people lift themselves out of poverty. The repayment rate on loans made through Kiva is about 97%, so when your first loan is repaid, you can invest the money in another entrepreneur and double the power of your initial loan.
3. Prosper makes loans to Americans. You can both lend and borrow at Prosper. This organization has loaned over 100 million dollars to Americans who are struggling financially. As a lender at Prosper, you build an investment portfolio that includes selecting which borrowers you want to help. Like Kiva, when a loan with Prosper has been repaid, you can keep the money helping others by making it available to another borrower.
4. Global Giving is a straight donation, not a loan. The donations go to grassroots organizations that are trying to improve the world. You pick the grassroots organization you want to get your money, and if you don't like the way things are going, you can switch your money over to a different project.
5. Trickle Up is a grants program for small entrepreneurs from around the world. This is a gift, not a loan. Trickle Up provides grant money, business training, and support to people who want to start a small business.
6. Heifer International is a gift site that provides livestock to needy families, such as a heifer, lamb, pig, goat, flock of ducks, honeybees and more. The recipients use the animal gifts to develop wealth and food for their families. You choose the animal gift you'd like to give.
7. Do you have a worthy cause in mind? You can start your own fundraising campaign for specific causes using Just Giving. Use Just Giving's online fund raising tools to start a charity of your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Spread the joy. Use $100 or $200 or make several small loans or gifts. You'll do more good for more people.