Frontline World did a report on www.kiva.org this week. They facilitate micro-lending in developing countries. If this interests you, check it out. Since you provide the money and choose what you want to help on, you can make a difference.
P.S. Due to the sudden interest in there website, they may still have server problems. If so and you are so inclined donate to them for purchase of a new server and email them to let you know when there up and running again.