FINAL UPDATE: only 2 out of 5 got funded. Sad that some really great loans expired. Details below.
Kiva.org is a wonderful organization that links lenders like us, who can lend as little as $25, with farmers, students and small businesses all over the world who need microloans. They do wonderful work, though not without occasional controversies. There was debate over their expansion of loans to people in the U.S. There was debate about the religious nature of some of their lending partners (Christian and Muslim mainly). There was some debate about the practice of backfilling loans (lending to fill a loan already given, so that money can be freed up for a new loan). etc. But I find overall they are wonderful and though I avoid certain kinds of loans, there are plenty of loans I do like and am proud to give.
But the need often outstrips the ability of lenders to lend. So even some good loans expire before being funded. I am considering starting an occasional series on dKos highlighting some of the loans about to expire...I can't do all, but will try to pick some that catch my eye.
Below are my first selections...please consider lending to some of these worthy farmers, students and small businesses whose loans are about to expire before they are fully funded. (All have less than 24 hours to go)