A television show on popular microfinance program Kiva inspired Lowell Herr of Portland, Oregon to learn if something similar existed in the Mennonite world. … And so began his year-long commitment to helping poor entrepreneurs around the world through MEDA Trust.

Lowell likes to give monthly and track activity on his loans, so he has set a reminder on his computer calendar. At Christmas, he took advantage of matching contributions, which allowed him to fund quite a few other businesses with a loan.

To date, he and his wife, Grace, have been able to help 26 entrepreneurs in Nicaragua and Afghanistan start and grow their businesses. They like to support a variety of business sectors, but often choose those of women, who are often disadvantaged.

And Lowell is already planning ahead for next Christmas, when he hopes to get his grandchildren involved in choosing an entrepreneur to support, and share with them the gift of giving to those who have less.

Read Lowell's endorsement of MEDA Trust on his Wealth Management blog.

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