Oak Brook, Ill., (Dec. 1, 2008) — Imagine giving a present worth 10 times the amount you paid for it – one that honors the recipient and helps the world’s poor for years to come.

Optinnow.org, a new initiative of Opportunity International, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing microfinance organizations, offers gift cards for as little as $25 that help fund small business loans for entrepreneurs in the developing world. The loans help the working poor build businesses that feed families, send children to school and employ neighbors in their communities.

As the loan is paid back – as 98 percent are – the money is recycled again and again to help many more Opportunity International clients work their way out of poverty, making it the gift that keeps on giving. On average, a loan is repaid in four to six months, so a $25 donation becomes at least $250 over five years and helps provide 10 loans to the working poor during that time.

In today’s tight economy, many Americans are choosing to cut back on holiday spending but not on charitable giving. A tax-deductible OptINnow™ gift card is the perfect gift idea for those who want to make donations on behalf of friends and family members in lieu of purchasing presents. It’s an easy gift to give and a fun one to receive. Here’s how it works:

• Log on to Optinnow.org, and click on “OptINnow Gift Cards.”
• Fill in the amount and the recipient’s email address, and enclose a personal note.
• An email is sent to the recipient after the gift card is purchased. The recipient then visits OptINnow.org to pick a country, the type of business and a specific entrepreneur to support in the form of a loan to start or expand a business.
• Gift givers can choose to print out the gift card instead and mail it with a holiday card or include it as a “stocking-stuffer.”

All donations and gift card purchases on Optinnow.org are processed confidentially through Google Checkout. OptINnow™ is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information visit: www.optinnow.org.

About Opportunity International

Opportunity International provides access to savings, small business loans, insurance and training to over five million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. Clients in over 20 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbors and build a safety net for the future. For more information, visit http://www.opportunity.org or join the conversation at http://facebook.com/opportunityintl and http://twitter.com/opportunityintl.