Perhaps, unlike me, you don't live in a plastic bubble?  Perhaps you have heard of Kiva Microloans?

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence.  For as little as $25.00 you can dramatically change and improved the lives of  an entrepreneur and their families.  $25.00!  That's like a cheap movie date, including popcorn, milk duds and a coke.  $25.00 that will help lift entire families from the yoke of poverty.

Recently it has been featured in the Times, on PBS and the Today Show...and the media coverage and response has been phenomenal.  So great that the site is having difficulty handling the traffic!  However, you can still make donations and sign up for an email notification list.

Bookmark: http://www.kiva.org/