Do You Give Via the Net?

I think giving by the net is pretty revolutionary. It enables anyone who has access to the internet to give practice charity and research who to donate too. I too have only given to bigger organizations that I am familiar with. Sadly, but truly, many scams are out there.

Usually I only give over the web if it's an organization I am familiar with and have had some sort of offline interaction. But I think it's a great way to ease giving--as long as you know where the funds are really going.

I've used the Web to donate to specific causes at specific times (ie after Hurricane Katrina). In most cases I give when I'm at an event or via snail mail. Not sure why I don't use the Web more, now that I think about it. Perhaps that will be a New Year's resolution - I certainly think it would make it easier for me to give more.

Giving via the Net is actually the only way I have ever donated money to a cause. It's convenient, all of my donation records are kept electronically so when I do my spreadsheet for my accountant, I'm all ready to go. My uncle just started a Foundation with his kids and every year as our Christmas gift, he donates money to our favorite cause in our name. It's my favorite gift every year because there is always a new cause that I'm connected to, and he enjoys learning about the causes via their websites and then the ease of donating online.