Two Innovative New Ways to Donate to Charity this Holiday Season

related articles

We've heard of a couple new innovative ways to give to charity, and we thought you'd like to know about them, too.

Crowdrise

Actor Ed Norton, a longtime advocate for environmental and humanitarian causes, has a Website called Crowdrise.com that empowers volunteers and members of organizations to raise money for those groups they care most about. It's holiday campaign with the 21st century name, the Crowdrise Holiday Fundraiser Thing, includes some A Listers raising money for campaigns they hold dear, including:

• Sofia Bush and Austin Nichols for Global Green
• Christina Applegate for Surfrider Foundation
• David Blaine for Water
• Patricia Arquette for Satya Foundation for Haiti Relief
• And Edward Norton himself for Maasai Wilderness Conservation Fund

Other celebs and "sort-of famous friends" of Ed Norton who are involved in the campaign include Ashton Kutcher, Will Ferrell, Liz Banks, Jonah Hill, Kristen Bell, Paul Rudd, Mandy Moore, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Flea, Kate Walsh, Robin Quivers, Jason Bateman, Russell Brand, Glen Hansard, Rosie Perez, John Legend, Paul Pierce and Barbra Streisand.

For those who prefer to take the initiative, rather than follow a celebrity, director Judd Apatow has promised to give $3,000 to the top three fundraising campaigns launched by non-celebs.

Crowdrise's slogan is "If You Don't Give Back No One Will Like You" and there's a spirit of mischief fun throughout the site. Go and enjoy it.

The Giving Effect

For a more humble campaign, check out The Giving Effect, which is using technology to connect people who want to donate not only money, but food, clothing and other gently used items to organizations large and small that will put them to good use. As the organization puts it:

"Our approach is to mobilize people to donate items in a way that is more social and fulfilling for everyone. Using The Giving Effect, donors are given more choice regarding where items go, and they can see the impact of their donations. Non-profits in poor and under-served communities benefit from national exposure and from the power of the internet to mobilize citizens to take action. Most importantly, people in need get an army of advocates to champion their causes."

Of course, finding new uses for old things not only helps you clear clutter, but also save resources by obviating the need to manufacture new things.

How do you give to charity around the holidays? Let us know what services you use, and if you are trying any new ideas this year.

COMMENTS ()