When you have kids in college, as I do, the end of the summer is bittersweet. The “bitter” part comes not only with seeing them off—it’s also watching your bank balance plummet as the bills come in. Higher education isn’t cheap in America, but it’s a good investment.

A microfinance client in Cambodia shows off the results of a fishing-net purchase. (Jon Warren/WV)

There’s a big difference between a gift and an investment. It’s best described by the adage you’ve probably heard a million times: “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat today; teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” When people have nothing, that fish is a godsend—it keeps them alive another day. But when people’s basic needs are met and they’re ready for the chance to thrive, a well-placed loan provides the “fishing line.”

Microfinance—providing small loans and support to the working poor to start and grow their own businesses—is a powerful investment. For World Vision, it’s the finishing touch on poverty-fighting programs such as providing food, water, education, and agricultural help. Microfinance creates an economic engine that sustains the good work we’ve achieved with communities.

World Vision recently started Micro to connect U.S. donors with developing-world entrepreneurs. You can choose someone whose name, circumstances, and business you can get to know and help fund small loans for them, tracking their progress over time.

It helps to put a face on poverty, doesn’t it? Well, here’s another one: mine. I was a microfinance client in my early years. I came from a poor family, and my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college. But I was able to get a loan to go to Cornell. I would not be here today without that opportunity—it transformed my life.

Check out Micro. For a relatively small price, you can invest in building a brighter future for someone—somene like me.