I really like this idea of micro-loans.  It is better than donating money because the receiver must pay it back.  It builds up a local economy, instead of destroying it like the donated clothes in Africa.  When I get the loan payment back, I can just cycle it back into Kiva and to another individual/group.  I think donating money this way (I’m not going to pull my money out of the system, I will always loan it out to someone else.)  Is a lot better than just giving someone something.  Obviously, if someone is starving or destitute they need a donation, not a loan.  But for small businesses, the best thing for their growth is a small loan without the corporate bank interest charges.