Ship of Fools: An idea regarding charitable giving

Thread: An idea regarding charitable giving Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Jason Zarri (# 15248) on :

I have an idea regarding charitable giving that as far as I know hasn't been implemented, at least on a large scale: Why not have “charity cards”, credit cards which automatically donate a certain percentage of what you spend to charity whenever you make a purchase? For example, if you spend $100.00 on something and have a 2% threshold, that would automatically generate a corresponding $2 donation to a charity of your choice. I think that would be good because such “microdonations,” which most of us wouldn’t bother to make separately, would eventually ad up. They would also require no special effort, which I think is a great psychological barrier to giving. If a lot of people ended up using charity cards, it could easily generate millions (or more) in donations. So instead of getting “points” or filer miles, why not have cards that automatically generate microdonations?

Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :

Already being done.

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :

In fact, you can compare the various ones on offer.

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :

You can also use a search option on the internet which promises to donate a tiny amount each time you search.
Cattyish, supposed to be using it.

Posted by Rev per Minute (# 69) on :

Known as "affinity cards" (UK site). I think I first had one 15-18 years ago (none at the moment, generally due to costs).

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :

The first one I had (no longer because I now disagree with their aims) was nearly 30 years ago.

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :

My card (which I have had for some 20+ years I think) raises money for Oxfam. Not much, I think it is about 10p per £100. But over the course of a year, it makes a good sum.

The counter argument to this is that if you want to give MORE to charity, you should get a credit card that gives you cashback and then give THAT money to the charity of your choice (which can then be gift aided). But that is a far greater hassle than simply using a branded credit card....

One good thing about my Oxfam card is that over the years it has sparked a number of conversations with shop staff about why I use it.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

So you see Jason it really was a good idea, just one someone else had first [Smile]

( I actually had never heard of them either).

Huia

Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :

quote:
Originally posted by PeteC:
The first one I had (no longer because I now disagree with their aims) was nearly 30 years ago.

Why do you now disagree with their aims? You're a thoughtful, intelligent chap and I am interested in your views.

Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :

This discussion reminds me of something I saw years ago. Don't know if they're still around? Supposedly, if you clicked on The Hunger Site's webpage "special giving" button, they would donate a dollar or two to end world hunger. I eagerly clicked that button day in and day out and then, as time went on, I did it less and less. Did it REALLY make a difference? And why would it? How is clicking on a "special" link/button supposed to feed the hungry?

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :

GoodSearch has many free, painless ways to give. If you use their search engine, advertisers will make a small donation to a charity that you choose. (They've got a long list, and you can add a new one (IIRC). Allow cookies for the site, and it will remember your choice.) It's my default search engine.

As to TheHungerSite.com, it's the same sort of deal. You click on the button for THS or one of its sister sites. You'll go through to a "thank you" page, which also shows ads for various companies. Advertisers donate for the initial click. You're also encouraged to support the advertisers by clicking through to their sites. (That sounds complicated. Just try it out, and it will make more sense.)

I'll save the hosts having to look up more links, and just mention a few sites without live links. Care2.com has click-to-donate, e-cards, etc. FreeRice.com, FreeKibble.com, and GamesThatGive.net/play are other free donation sites.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

Golden Key - thanks for the reminder about Free Rice = it's even more addictive than the snowflakes.

Huia

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :

Yes, I used to do the Hunger Site, and some of its allies like the Rainforest Site, but after a while didn't feel I was achieving anything. "You have helped to preserve 11.4 sq ft of rainforest." Yes, but is that the same 11.4 sq. ft that I helped to preserve yesterday, i.e. have I just been maintaining the same square for a while, or a new one? Rainforest isn't infinite.

I also linked to Easyfundraising for a while, which is one of those sites where you simply access your usual online shops through them, and your shops will donate a certain amount to your chosen charity. This can be useful for smaller local charities, parish churches, etc.

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

Our church encourages our parishioners to sign up with eScrip, and we make a little bit of money from it. (We also recycle printer cartridges and cellphones through them.)

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

I've done Free Rice and likely will again. It's a fun and challenging way to give.

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