Kiva.org 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.

I've added a banner to the bottom left of this site. I've used Kiva and found it to be a reputable business/charity. Kiva lets you provide capital that helps an entire economy rather than a one time donation. And the loans get repaid.