Actually, I am a Micro-Financier! I joined an organization called Kiva which works with micro-lenders on the ground in developing countries to make small loans to entrepreneurs in order to combat poverty. If you recall, Mohammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize for doing just that.
I chose a furniture maker in the Ukraine, named Vladimir Livindovich, because of my interest in artisans and craftspeople. Vladimir needs $800 dollars for tools and materials. Through Kiva, I was able to lend him $100, of which he will receive $100! That's right. Kiva keeps none, Vladimir gets all. If you'd like to help him as well, here's his page: http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=7060 You can make a contribution as little as $25.
EDIT: Wow! In the time it took me to upload the video in the next post, all of Vladimir's funds were raised! Please consider some other worthy entreprenur for your loan.
Is this a good investment? Yes. The default rate on these small loans to poor people is staggeringly low. When Vladimir pays back his loan in 6 months, I'm going to lend to a fisherwoman in Samoa.
Here's a great article about Kiva and micro-finance from the New York Times blog, On the Ground:Download microfinance.doc
You, too, can be a banker to the poor.
