The Unbreakable Leo

Kiva is one of four finalist in the Sam's Club "Giving Made Simple" campaign to win a $1 Million grant for their social activism using microfinance. Anyone who is a Sam's Club member can go on their "Giving Made Simple" website and vote as many times as you'd like for companies who's causes you share an interest in. Not only is this a great way to use your Sam's Club membership for more then just shopping, but it also is a way to give back and get more out of your member fee.

For all those who don't know, Kiva is the pioneer of peer-to-peer internet microfinance lending. Connecting the average person with an internet connection to entrepreneurs in 52 countries in an effort bring them out of poverty. Since Kiva was incorporated in 2005 lenders in 196 countries have lent well over $130 Million to over 400,000 entrepreneurs, helping them start or expand their small businesses. They've also created a huge network of volunteers and Fellows who represent Kiva by working directly with their international banking partners to disburse funds lent from people like you and me. I first learned about Kiva while watching a PBS Frontline special about them years ago. Since then I've become an advocate for their work and their goal of poverty alleviation by respecting the needs of those whom they assist in the developing world.

Kiva plans to multiply the impact by 10 by generating approximately $10 Million more in loans from the Internet community, helping approximately 25,000 entrepreneurs in the US and around the world. With the ability to turn around funds and help even more people with a "simple" $1 Million grant, five a few moments of your time and put that Sam's Club membership to good use. Now giving back to the world has been simplificed and all you have to do is click a button. No money given and no funds transfered. Voting ends on May 1, so act fast!