One of our favorite charity sites barely qualifies as charity at all. Even those who are extremely picky about to whom and to what causes they give money can get excited about this one. Kiva.org provides microfinance loans (small loans) to third world residents who are looking to start a business or grow the business they already have...but who lack the seed money. We've been Kiva supporters for years, but someone recently created this video to illustrate how it works. Check it out:
So, while you never "get your money back"...you DO keep control of it and get to loan it over and over. That's a LOT of satisfaction for your dollar donated.