Using Social Media for Social Good: Other Side's contribution to charity

by Kate Brodock on 15 December 2008

[Update: We have ended our charity run! Thank you for everyone who participated. To see which charity will receive a donation, please go here]

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

1 Thoughtful Comment from You = 1 Other Side Dollar to Charity

: Image via WikipediaWe

As I mentioned last week, we’re going to be doing our own social contribution for the holiday season, and we need your help! This requires no monetary commitment, only participation.

The Play:

Add a comment below with what organization or cause you’d want us to donate to. If you’d like to offer your reason for doing so, that would be great.
Next week, we will tally up the number of comments we receive. Each comment is then worth $1.
This total will be divided in two equal parts, representing two equal donations.
We will choose, at random, one of the commenters causes and donate one portion to that cause. We’ll also ask that commenter if they’d like to describe their personal reason for donating to the cause (you can choose not to if you’d like).
The other portion of the total will go towards Kiva, and organization that I donate to every year.
If you’d like to donate more than a comment (a dollar amount to one or both chosen charities), by all means, feel free to either use the TipJoy button below or contact me here. (The comment will still be chosen randomly for the charity!).

Why Kiva?

I’ve always been drawn to microfinancing and it’s various forms for many reasons.

It offers an opportunity to people who have external barriers placed on them that prohibit their ability to make a living for themselves and their family.
It works for the little guys.
Most importantly, to me, is that the process works to instill a sense of independence in the recipients that comes from owning small businesses, being responsible and accountable for their actions. This ultimately builds stronger, more motivated individuals, stronger families and communities, and more stable environments in a way that is much more permanent and long-term.

My mom, who is incredibly thoughtful and compassionate in terms of giving back to the community in any way that she can, gave me a “Kiva gift” for Christmas two years ago. I thank her for bringing it to my attention.

Disclaimer 1: Kiva’s model is a loan model, which means that eventually this donation will be paid back. I assure you that it will be continually reinvested into the organization for various entrepreneurs around the world. I will not personally profit from this.

Disclaimer 2: There will be a limit to the amount of money that we can donate, so, if by chance we get thousands of comments, we’ll need to bring down the donation amount Hopefully everyone will still participate for the cause… and we’ll still need plenty of comments!

Additionally, please feel free to pass this along or Tweet about it!

So then, what’s your cause of choice??

http://ampersanddot.com/blog Zach

I actually just recently heard of TheHome.org but think it's an awesome charity- so I'll second this one.

Also- great idea for the blog- keep up the good work.

Zach
Meredith

United Way of Lamoille County (VT):

This is a charity I've made a commitment to in order to make a difference in my local community. I'm taking a Polar Plunge in Lake Elmore to raise money !

The UWLC is hoping to start a transitional housing fund to provide temporary housing and budget education for those in need. What impresses me about this charity is their commitment to provide services that will make people self-sufficient again.

Here in Lamoille County, the United Way focuses on the “three H's” of Heat, Hunger, and Homelessness. With a chilly winter ahead, I'm eager to help out my neighbors in need and focus my support locally.
Jill

I'm also for the donating to the Food Bank – I live in the D.C. area and my family made the decision to put our money together and make a donation to our local foodbank. We take so much for granted this time of year, when many families can't even afford regular healthy meals, sometimes even one or both parents are working. This is truly a worthy cause, especially given our country's economic problems.
http://www.marte-cliff.com Marte

The Battered Mothers Resource Fund – this all-volunteer non profit operates a nation wide hotline where moms can call to find a nearby shelter for herself AND her children.

Since ten women die from domestic abuse every single day in the U.S. I think it's important that the hotline stay in operation – so those who want to escape with their lives can get help.

Right now the hotline is in trouble because the director can no longer fund it from his own pocket. He had a heart attack, with complications, and can't work to support it.

Get info at http://www.batteredmothers.org
http://raincoaster.com raincoaster

I'd like you to donate to Fearless City, http://fearlesscity.ca which is a nonprofit in Vancouver's inner city, using mobile technology to bridge the digital divide and reclaim the promise of empowerment that was in the digital revolution all along. They put video- and livestream-enabled mobile phones and multimedia blogs in the hands of the most marginalized people in Canada, enabling them to tell their own stories and communicate with the rest of the world free of censorship or preconceptions.
Deb

Hey Kate-

Great idea! Is it too late for me to give my pick?

You could probably guess mine…the Michael J. Fox Foundation (http://www.michaeljfox.org) – a cause very close to my heart.

Thanks for doing this and inspiring me!
http://diatribekarma.blogspot.com Jacques Brisson

Hi Kate, in all the causes I support there is one that is particularly important to me: Le club des petits dejeuners (Quebec breakfast club) that serve hot breakfasts at school, before classes start, every single day of the school year in underpriviledged parts of Montreal (and province of Quebec). Basically, they serve up to 15,000 breakfasts each school day so those kids can start their day with good predisposition to learn.

http://www.clubdejeuners.org

Jacques Brisson
Montreal, Quebec
http://www.marte-cliff.com Marte

The Battered Mothers Resource Fund – this all-volunteer non profit operates a nation wide hotline where moms can call to find a nearby shelter for herself AND her children.

Since ten women die from domestic abuse every single day in the U.S. I think it's important that the hotline stay in operation – so those who want to escape with their lives can get help.

Right now the hotline is in trouble because the director can no longer fund it from his own pocket. He had a heart attack, with complications, and can't work to support it.

Get info at http://www.batteredmothers.org
http://raincoaster.com raincoaster

I'd like you to donate to Fearless City, http://fearlesscity.ca which is a nonprofit in Vancouver's inner city, using mobile technology to bridge the digital divide and reclaim the promise of empowerment that was in the digital revolution all along. They put video- and livestream-enabled mobile phones and multimedia blogs in the hands of the most marginalized people in Canada, enabling them to tell their own stories and communicate with the rest of the world free of censorship or preconceptions.
Deb

Hey Kate-

Great idea! Is it too late for me to give my pick?

You could probably guess mine…the Michael J. Fox Foundation (http://www.michaeljfox.org) – a cause very close to my heart.

Thanks for doing this and inspiring me!
http://diatribekarma.blogspot.com Jacques Brisson

Hi Kate, in all the causes I support there is one that is particularly important to me: Le club des petits dejeuners (Quebec breakfast club) that serve hot breakfasts at school, before classes start, every single day of the school year in underpriviledged parts of Montreal (and province of Quebec). Basically, they serve up to 15,000 breakfasts each school day so those kids can start their day with good predisposition to learn.

http://www.clubdejeuners.org

Jacques Brisson
Montreal, Quebec
jon

kate,dadio here. I have been supporting Hospice of Central New York since they helped
us with Dad. We learned so much from the caregivers during that time of letting go of life. They helped us understand death and it's transitions. They were an important part of the process.
jon

kate,dadio here. I have been supporting Hospice of Central New York since they helped
us with Dad. We learned so much from the caregivers during that time of letting go of life. They helped us understand death and it's transitions. They were an important part of the process.
http://www.simoncolumbus.de Simon Columbus

One cause I have donated to myself is Global Voices. They do a brilliant job aggregating the blogged voices of the unheard around the world, providing one of the best sources of independent information from those countries underrepresented in global media.
http://www.simoncolumbus.de Simon Columbus

One cause I have donated to myself is Global Voices. They do a brilliant job aggregating the blogged voices of the unheard around the world, providing one of the best sources of independent information from those countries underrepresented in global media.
rezit

Great idea. My favorite charity is the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC – http://www.outdoors.org/) because it is close to my heart.
rezit

Great idea. My favorite charity is the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC – http://www.outdoors.org/) because it is close to my heart.
http://www.decaturcomputerhelp.com Alan Thornton

That's another good one.
Thanks for the reminder.
http://www.grassroots.org Shane Hankins

I wanted to give quick plug for Grassroots.org (http://www.grassroots.org/). The mission of Grassroots.org is to serve as a catalyst for positive social change by leveraging modern technologies and best business practices.

Our ultimate goal is to adopt 10,000 nonprofit members, and to provide them each with an average of $10,000 of services per year at no charge (for a total savings of $100 million per year!).

I am the Executive Director and encourage all of you to check it out. Also, please let the organizations you support know about our free services! We are a 501c3 organization.
http://www.seanbohan.com Sean Bohan

1. I love KIVA

2. I love KIVA

3. I love this blog

4. I love this effort

5. I am a supporter of Diabetes research (http://www.diabetes.org/)

Great job with this – can't wait to see how it turns out
https://twitter.com/thieleman1 Matt

I vote for any of the causes that have been posted so far! Kiva is a great cause and I thank you for doing this.
Best,
Matt
http://www.othersidegroup.com/adcomments Kate Brodock

Haha, thank you Sean!
http://www.metropoliscreative.com Michael Flint

Hey Kate,

Good idea. We made 18 separate donations to the American Cancer Society this year in our clients' names. We also are offering free charity button design to anyone who wants one on their site. http://www.metropoliscreative.com/give_back.php. We've received a few requests already! (Need a charity button?)

Mike
http://www.bereaanimalrescue.com Lori

My vote is for Berea Animal Rescue Fund. I'm a volunteer there. It's a tiny shelter in a suburb of Cleveland. We do our best to give these animals the warmth, shelter, and love they deserve. We are getting more and more animals and are running out of space and foster homes for them. Any donation would be helpful. Thanks! Happy Holidays!
http://www.decaturcomputerhelp.com Alan Thornton

That's another good one.
Thanks for the reminder.
http://www.ultrarob.com/blog/ UltraRob

My vote is for World Bicycle Relief. They empower people in poverty and disaster areas.
johnincolorado

great idea. i've heard good things about Kiva.
http://www.biblemoneymatters.com Money Matters

I think you should donate to 2nd Harvest Heartland – a food bank – helping a lot of people this Christmas! You'd be amazed at how many meals you can provide for even a small amount of money!

http://www.2harvest.org
http://www.grassroots.org Shane Hankins

I wanted to give quick plug for Grassroots.org (http://www.grassroots.org/). The mission of Grassroots.org is to serve as a catalyst for positive social change by leveraging modern technologies and best business practices.

Our ultimate goal is to adopt 10,000 nonprofit members, and to provide them each with an average of $10,000 of services per year at no charge (for a total savings of $100 million per year!).

I am the Executive Director and encourage all of you to check it out. Also, please let the organizations you support know about our free services! We are a 501c3 organization.
http://www.seanbohan.com Sean Bohan

1. I love KIVA

2. I love KIVA

3. I love this blog

4. I love this effort

5. I am a supporter of Diabetes research (http://www.diabetes.org/)

Great job with this – can't wait to see how it turns out
https://twitter.com/thieleman1 Matt

I vote for any of the causes that have been posted so far! Kiva is a great cause and I thank you for doing this.
Best,
Matt
http://www.katebrodock.com Kate Brodock

Haha, thank you Sean!
http://www.metropoliscreative.com Michael Flint

Hey Kate,

Good idea. We made 18 separate donations to the American Cancer Society this year in our clients' names. We also are offering free charity button design to anyone who wants one on their site. http://www.metropoliscreative.com/give_back.php. We've received a few requests already! (Need a charity button?)

Mike
http://www.bereaanimalrescue.com Lori

My vote is for Berea Animal Rescue Fund. I'm a volunteer there. It's a tiny shelter in a suburb of Cleveland. We do our best to give these animals the warmth, shelter, and love they deserve. We are getting more and more animals and are running out of space and foster homes for them. Any donation would be helpful. Thanks! Happy Holidays!
http://www.ultrarob.com/blog/ UltraRob

My vote is for World Bicycle Relief. They empower people in poverty and disaster areas.
johnincolorado

great idea. i've heard good things about Kiva.
http://primecutsblog.com justinlevy

I don't have a specific charity that I'd prefer to see you use. I'm just thrilled that you're running this. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to seeing you next time I'm in town
http://www.biblemoneymatters.com Money Matters

I think you should donate to 2nd Harvest Heartland – a food bank – helping a lot of people this Christmas! You'd be amazed at how many meals you can provide for even a small amount of money!

http://www.2harvest.org
http://primecutsblog.com justinlevy

I don't have a specific charity that I'd prefer to see you use. I'm just thrilled that you're running this. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to seeing you next time I'm in town
Ellen Malloy

Please donate to doctors without borders. We in America have a horrible health care system but we at least have the finest medical facilities and doctors in the world. Many in other countries, along with not having access to health care, don't even have the doctors and facilities that could provide care.
Ellen Malloy

Please donate to doctors without borders. We in America have a horrible health care system but we at least have the finest medical facilities and doctors in the world. Many in other countries, along with not having access to health care, don't even have the doctors and facilities that could provide care.
http://www.gradontripp.com/ Gradon Tripp

What a great idea, Kate! I would like to suggest Jane Doe Inc, the Boston-based anti-domestic violence advocacy group we organized the first SM4SC event for.

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!
http://www.linnetwoods.com linnetwoods

The ability to reach those to whom the tiny amounts we can afford to donate mean so much is one of the things I love about the Internet. What you are doing here is really lovely and I hope it inspires many others. I would like to support Heifer International at http://www.heifer.org in common with some of your other respondents.
Thanks for thinking of this idea!
http://www.morrisville.edu/mcf James Hastie

Hi Kate, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Kiva is a great organization. I first learned of them through our faculty teaching within the Morrisville State College Entrepreneurial Institute, and our interactions with CARE through the Morrisville College Foundation's Sheila Johnson Instiute (http://www.sheilajohnsoninstitute.org): my cause. The Limestone Pony Club (http://www.limestoneponyclub.org) was a close second because of its ability to develop leadership skills and character in our Nation's youth – nice job!!! :^)
http://www.gradontripp.com gradontripp

What a great idea, Kate! I would like to suggest Jane Doe Inc, the Boston-based anti-domestic violence advocacy group we organized the first SM4SC event for.

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!
http://www.linnetwoods.com linnetwoods

The ability to reach those to whom the tiny amounts we can afford to donate mean so much is one of the things I love about the Internet. What you are doing here is really lovely and I hope it inspires many others. I would like to support Heifer International at http://www.heifer.org in common with some of your other respondents.
Thanks for thinking of this idea!
http://www.morrisville.edu/mcf James Hastie

Hi Kate, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Kiva is a great organization. I first learned of them through our faculty teaching within the Morrisville State College Entrepreneurial Institute, and our interactions with CARE through the Morrisville College Foundation's Sheila Johnson Instiute (http://www.sheilajohnsoninstitute.org): my cause. The Limestone Pony Club (http://www.limestoneponyclub.org) was a close second because of its ability to develop leadership skills and character in our Nation's youth – nice job!!! :^)
http://www.dateinthecity.com Karl Schlegel

Hi Kate!

I love what you are doing! I am working closely with Grassroots.org which is a non-profit that serves currently over 900 non-profits with web related services and consulting. Their goal is to give $10k worth of services to 10,000 non-profits for a total of $100M in services per year. I am very close with the executive director who is dedicated and committed to creating global impact and providing access to resources for change.

Best,

Karl
http://www.dateinthecity.com Karl Schlegel

Hi Kate!

I love what you are doing! I am working closely with Grassroots.org which is a non-profit that serves currently over 900 non-profits with web related services and consulting. Their goal is to give $10k worth of services to 10,000 non-profits for a total of $100M in services per year. I am very close with the executive director who is dedicated and committed to creating global impact and providing access to resources for change.

Best,

Karl
mike coughlin

kbb! hook it up to st. jude's. down with baby cancer.

or on a similar note, the ronald mcdonald house. they put my degenerate family while they were down at st. judes.

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