If you've read Muhammad Yunas' amazing book Banker to the Poor, you know what a profound impact microlending can have on third world countries. Tiny loans (as little as $10 in some cases) have allowed poor families to invest in the rudiments of a business, in some cases breaking the cycle of poverty.

Now MicroPlace.com, with the backing of eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY), wants to make it easier for those of us in the Western world to finance these endeavors -- and earn a return too, as high as 4%.

While the site may not be profitable and certainly isn't a material contribution to a company the size of eBay, it could help the company where it needs help these days: its reputation.

The minimum investment is only $100, and subsequent contributions can be as little as $50. It's definitely something worth looking into, and the fact that you can earn interest makes this an ideal way to "do well by doing good."

If you're a parent, I would suggest opening up an account for you children this holiday season. It's a way to give them the gift of giving back, along with that Nintendo Wii or pair of Heelys.

eBay shows off its socially responsible side: Microfinance originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.