Kiva is without a doubt the charity of choice for The Thirty Day Challenge. They do amazing work in supporting entrepreneurs in third world countries, and as such, we can do nothing but give them our wholehearted support. This is something that we believe is so in-tune with the ethos of the Thirty Day Challenge, and I implore you to take a closer look.

With that being said, if you have never taken a look at Kiva then head on over here

During last year's challenge we raised over $6,500 for Kiva and this year we are hoping to do more, and this is where you can help...

Over the next few days we are going to be telling you about our auction, and our efforts to raise money, but until then take a look at what we have done so far... and please, have a think about how you can help out... But for now, read on, and find out some more about Kiva...

Philanthropy 2.0 - About Kiva

As they say on their website "MySpace has changed the way the entertainers relate to their fans, Craigslist has changed the way people find a job or a room-for-rent, Kiva has changed the way people give back".

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can “sponsor a business” and help the world’s working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you’ve sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals (or groups like the ThirtyDayChallenge) to lend directly to an entrepreneur in developing countries such as Azerbaijan, Samoa, Tanzania and Uganda. By combining microfinance with the Internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

So why are we supporting Kiva?

Well it all started during the 2007 Thirty Day Challenge Auction... After a lot of "talk" on the forums, the 30DC community was wanting a way to "give back" to Ed and Dan to say "thanks" for all they give every August.

And thus, the inaugural 30DC Auction was born, with all proceeds going to Ed and Dan's favorite charity.

Dan had been a supporter of Kiva for a number of years as it enables you to give a gift which keeps on giving and we truly think this a great fit for the Thirty Day Challenge.

"How great would it be come next year, to see these businesses (just like yours) flourish, and be able to re-loan the money back to a new set of businesses, together with any money we raise in next year's auction."

It's as simple and as deep as that.

But We Need Your Help

To view all our loans visit: http://www.kiva.org/lender/thirtydaychallenge

So How Can You Get Involved?

There are two great ways in which you can join us in supporting Kiva:

1. Donate directly to our 'collective fund' via paypal.

2. Wait till this year's auction (which is going to blow your mind) and bid on some amazing items which will be offered.

Want to know more?

Check out www.Kiva.org