Charity May Begin at Home, But It's Moving Online
America's economic downturn presents a double-edged challenge to charitable organizations. Hard times mean that more people than ever will be in need of help -- and that fewer people will be in a position to help. But while the burden for charitable giving has traditionally fallen on the Bill Gateses of the world, today's technology has leveled the giving playing field. Facebook and MySpace have become hotbeds of charitable giving -- as have sites such as Kiva.org, SixDegrees.org, and DonorsChoose.org. A key element of these nonprofits is that they allow donors to connect directly to those they are helping. You don't just add your contribution to a pool of money meant to help the faceless needy -- you can target specific individuals and watch how their lives are changed by the money you give.
Arianna Huffington | Posted 07.25.2008 | Living