Think about Kiva instead of charity...

[re5mike]

Instead of 'donating' to charities I loan money to Kiva participants.

For those that have not heard - Kiva is a 'not for profit' organisation that manages micro-loans to the worlds poor.

You join with others to make up the total of the money they are requesting - I usually tip in US$25 per loan. The money is then repaid over the stipulated period with loan officers on the ground collecting the monthly payments.

The payments are divided up between the lenders and creditted to your Kiva account monthly so you can re-loan to new people.

The default rate is microscopic and I am pleased to be involved.

Worth a look IMO.