Congrats to the Seattle based microfinance startup Vittana for receiving a $250,000 grant from Google.org to help their efforts in supporting students all over the world get a higher education:

“Supporting 2,000 students in 12 countries, Seattle non-profit recognized for Empowerment through Technology.
Efforts to increase global access to education received a big boost today: Google.org, making $40 million in end of year grants across three categories, announced that it will support Vittana, a non-profit that combines the massive reach of microfinance with the transformative power of education by building the world’s first student microloan programs with MFIs in developing countries. Vittana, whose website allows users to make loans directly to students, will use Google’s $250,000 grant to build 24 additional programs by 2013. Vittana aims to ignite a global market for education microfinance-one that will reach 1 million students by 2015. [Read More]“

Last week, Vittana along with it’s lenders funded it’s 1,000th student through microfinance loans! Additionally, they are launching their campaign “What does education mean to you?” which recently aired on Hulu. If you haven’t yet seen the PSA, here it is for you:

What Does Education Mean to You? from Vittana on Vimeo.

A few minutes ago, I ended up at the Huff Post reading this thank you from Kushal at Vittana. I thought I’d embed their video here since I’m sure that are at least a few myKRO.org readers who have donated to Vittana in 2010.

A little while ago Vittana hit a milestone of $100k in loans.  Tomorrow, on 5/18, they hit another milestone: they are turning one!  Come help Vittana celebrate by coming to the party this Tuesday at the Spitfire in Seattle.

When: Tuesday, May 18; 6-10 p.m.

Where: Spitfire, 2219 4th Ave., Seattle, WA

RSVP here

About Vittana
“We believe in the power of education to change circumstances forever and in its ability to help young people take charge of their lives.

Vittana is a different kind of organization. Our founders, board of directors, staff and supporting organizations are drawn from some of the best technology companies, non-profit organizations and design and law firms in the world. We’re drawing upon the best lessons from the business and non-profit worlds to help create lasting change for students around the world. Learn more about our mission and how it all comes together.”

[via SeaMo and Vittana on Twitter]