"Loans that change lives..."

Or, so claims http://www.kiva.org/about

The website allows anyone with a credit card to lend small amounts of money ($25 and up) to people in developing countries.  These people have registered with local 'Field Partners', and then use the money to to start or expand businesses, shops, schools, ect.  They eventually pay back the money, and you can either withdraw or reloan it.

I've searched around, and the site seems legit.  I'm thinking about joining.  What do you guys think?  Anyone want to join me?

EDIT: Hmm.. it's based in California, and it is a registered charity.  The site's also had positive publicity with the New York Times, NPR, the Economist, and PBS.  I'm trying it!

It may be legit, but anyone can make a website so don't base your decision on that. Maybe find out what country it is run out of and see if it has a charity registration?

You might be better off to make a donation to a larger charity that you are more familiar with.

It sounds legit from what I can see. I would love to join you, except that I am in six-figure debt myself (med school).

I love the notion of micro-loans and think they is a good way to foster international development.

I have an account. They are legit. (My account)

Kiva has been promoted by Oprah and Bill Clinton.

The best part is that once your $25 loan is payed back, you can reloan it again and again, so your small donation gets to help lots of people develop sustainable businesses.

This place is definitely legit.  They are the largest micro-finance I've ever seen, the best run, the easiest to use.  All in all, Kiva is awesome.  

I have an account and have made loans (which have been repaid).

Peace,

Casey

Edited to add video link describing the journey of a kiva loan (assuming I know how to do that!):  http://vimeo.com/2769845?utm_source=jg&ut m_medium=Email&utm_campaign=jg%5FKiva+New sletter%3A+Coolest%2E+Video%2E+Ever%2E+%28227 739263%29&utm_content=casey%40idlewildchu rch%2Eorg

This is soooo   interesting.  Could be just the kind of thing I am looking for.  Thanks for posting.