Giving doesn’t have to focus on the global and the grandiose, such as eliminating world poverty or bringing peace on earth. Your donations don’t have to equate to a pittance added to the big pot philanthropy to a huge organizations like the United Way or the Red Cross, although they are great charities. Technology utilized within the social enterprise arena has created many wonderful opportunities to contribute to individual needs in your local area.
GoFundMe is one venue through which you can search for, discover, and donate to worthy causes right in your own neighborhood. Gifts can be of any amount and address virtually any cause that tugs on your heart strings. Launched in 2010, GoFundMe is the world’s largest, free social fundraising platform. With over $9 billion raised from more than 120 million donations, we’re on a mission to help people fundraise for personal, business, and charitable causes. Learn more.
For instance. I live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A search for GoFundMe opportunities within Murfreesboro returned 2,913 results. A search for animal adoption wrought over 10,000 potentials. Animal adoption in Murfreesboro, TN resulted in 3 giving options ranging from $100 to $2500. Thus, you can both easily localize and individuate your contribution.
It’s also a great way to help someone in your social network who is facing an emergency or health crisis. You can set up your own GoFundMe fundraiser for a cause you are passionate about.
A couple days ago, I watched a disturbing local news report about a gunman on a multi-county crime spree who allegedly killed a woman’s husband during a carjacking but told her he didn’t want to kill her because she’s pregnant. A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for the widow, Aileen Stevens, and her unborn child which I, along with 1,000 other folks (as of 9/17), was compelled to contributed to.
Give. Pray. Post. 