Happy Giving Tuesday to our generous Opportunity International community! Coming right after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a unique chance for nonprofits, families and businesses to come together to encourage the spirit of generosity and good will, to start the holiday giving season off right. Learn more about the movement at givingtuesday.org, where Opportunity International is an official Giving Tuesday partner.

When you start a fundraiser for Opportunity International’s One Woman Holiday Challenge — and help us reach our goal of $450,000 between now and Dec. 31, 2012 — you’ll empower Opportunity’s women clients, funding 6,000 small business loans for women working their way out of poverty around the world. Every $150 given funds an Opportunity loan for a woman entrepreneur. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, you’ll also double your impact. All gifts will be matched 1 to 1 up to $450,000! To learn more, and to start your fundraiser, go to opportunity.org/woman »

Here’s one more reason to take action today: we’re offering a free trip. For every $150 donated to your One Woman fundraiser, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win two all-expense-paid spots on a 2013 Opportunity International Insight Trip. See firsthand the impact that microfinance can have on the lives of our women clients. Complete contest rules are available at opportunity.org/woman »

To date, donations through our One Woman fundraisers have empowered 1,198 women entrepreneurs! That is nearly 1,200 women who now have the opportunity to grow a small business; feed, clothe and educate their children; employ their neighbors; and have a greater voice in their community. Studies have shown that when women have economic opportunities, they are three times more likely than men to reinvest in their children and their communities. In families where women have an income, they have a voice in financial decisions, resulting in better nutrition, health and education for children — including girls. Invest in better futures, one woman at a time.

1.5 billion people worldwide live in extreme poverty, and many are women entrepreneurs with a plan to help themselves, their families and their communities. All they need is a small opportunity.

Start your holiday giving off on the right foot by joining the One Woman Holiday Challenge. Launch a One Woman Holiday Challenge fundraiser at opportunity.org/woman »