I might be a former Kiva Fellow, but Kiva never fails to remind us “alumni” that we’re part of their extended family. My true passion for Kiva and dedication to the work they are doing in microfinance and microlending grows stronger with each loan I make, each update from a borrower, each correspondence with a new Kiva Fellow.

I hope you’ll take my true sincerity for this nonprofit and consider the request below.

Kiva has been chosen as one of four finalists in the Sam’s Club “Giving Made Simple” competition, for a chance to win a $1 Million dollar grant! Yes, this is super exciting news!

Winning this $1 Million grant would be a huge deal for Kiva! With this grant, Kiva will multiply the impact by 10 by generating approximately $10 Million more in loans from the Internet community, to help 25,000 entrepreneurs in the US and around the world.

If you’re a Sam’s Club member, you can vote daily between April 8th – May 2nd.

If you’re NOT a Sam’s Club member but would like to support the campaign in other ways, Kiva is accepting volunteers – fill out their form for more information.

Other ways to help?
* Share the voting link with friends and family who are Sam’s Club members.
* Post to your online social networks.
* Tweet a message! Here’s mine:

Kiva could win a $1M dollar grant with your vote! Sam’s Club Members – Vote for Kiva once a day. http://bit.ly/arTEUH – Please RT!

You can do something TODAY to change lives from where ever you are by taking just a few minutes to take action on this very simple request. Thank you (in advance) for your support!

Sidenote: In the grand scheme of things, there has been much debate about the merit of these contests and the impact and effectiveness. Regardless of those conversations, debates and arguments, $! million is on the line so let’s vote for Kiva NOW and continue that very worthwhile conversation in another outlet.