Poverty in developing countries is a growing concern across the globe. Recent economic conditions have many of us wondering how we can help, even with limited resources. And we want to know that our dollars are being spent wisely. Now there's a way -- become a micro-leding team member at TrueChange.net!

"Microfinance offers poor people access to basic financial services such as loans, savings, money transfer services and microinsurance. People living in poverty, like everyone else, need a diverse range of financial services to run their businesses, build assets, smooth consumption, and manage risk."
Reference - http://www.cgap.org/p/site/c/template.rc/1.26.1302/

TrueChange.net is a team of web masters, web site owners, hosting providers and other internet users established at Kiva.org -- the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. The beauty of Kiva.org is the transparency of the process.

"Any real solution to the issues of povery, economic independence and self-determination must reach across national and political boundaries in new and inventive ways," says Joseph Maas, team captain. "TrueChange.net is teaming up with Kiva.org because we see the value in micro-lending and wish to build and expand the micro-lending community."

Since inception, micro-lending has produced very positive results within developing countries by encouraging entrepreneurship and business development on a grass-roots level. Unlike charitable contributions (for which no doubt there will always be a need), micro-lending by its very nature sows the seeds of creativity and sustained growth.

Clearly the benefits can reach far beyond the loan recipient. Common examples include:

-- Funding a dairy rancher to purchase another milking cow means that better nourishment is available for the people of his village through the cold winter months.

-- Funding a garment maker to purchase two additional sewing machines results in local employment for six more people. (That's six people that no longer need to work at the grueling rock quarry or at the shoe factory 20 miles away).

-- Funding a carpenter to buy better tools results in local homes with better roofs and windows - and fewer incidents of crippling but preventable diseases such as pneumonia and malaria.