I thought I would draw some attention to a blog badge I just added to my Out There section below. Kiva is a website that facilitates micro-lending to people to whom large banks would never lend money. It helps bootstrap entrepreneurs in developing countries.
I am a notorious tightwad with my money. I'm not sure why, I just am. I do community-minded things like donating blood, but I don't throw much money around to charities. Call me a Scrooge.
I think I like the idea of Kiva precisely because it is not charity. I also like that 100% of my money goes straight to the lendee. I'm interested in seeing how many times I can re-lend out my initial seed money. If this type of thing appeals to you, check out Kiva.