In a world where online shopping has become the norm, many nonprofit organizations have turned to platforms like AmazonSmile to raise funds for their causes. However, with the recent news of AmazonSmile’s discontinuation, nonprofits are searching for viable alternatives that offer similar benefits and support. This article aims to explore and provide a comprehensive guide to the best alternatives to AmazonSmile that nonprofits can consider.
What Is AmazonSmile?
Before diving into the alternatives, let’s have a brief overview of AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a program launched by Amazon that allows customers to donate 0.5% of their eligible purchases to a charitable organization of their choice. It’s a great initiative that has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars over the years. However, with its discontinuation, nonprofits are left looking for other options to continue their fundraising efforts.
Benefits of Online Shopping Fundraising Platforms
Online shopping fundraising platforms offer several advantages to nonprofits, making them an effective way to generate funds. Some of the benefits include:
- Ease of Use: These platforms provide a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for nonprofits to set up their fundraising campaigns and for supporters to contribute effortlessly.
- Increased Reach: Leveraging the power of the internet, nonprofits can reach a broader audience, allowing them to raise more funds and increase awareness for their cause.
- Passive Fundraising: With online shopping fundraising platforms, supporters can contribute to nonprofits without any additional effort or cost. Simply by shopping through these platforms, a portion of the purchase amount goes directly to the chosen charitable organization.
- Transparency: These platforms provide detailed reports and analytics, allowing nonprofits to track their fundraising progress and measure the impact of their campaigns.
- Flexibility: Nonprofits can choose from a wide range of online shopping fundraising platforms based on factors such as fees, features, and compatibility with their cause.
Now that we understand the benefits of online shopping fundraising platforms, let’s explore the top alternatives to AmazonSmile.
1. ShopRaise
ShopRaise is a popular online shopping fundraising platform that enables nonprofits to raise funds by partnering with various retailers. Here’s how it works:
- Nonprofits sign up and create a profile on the ShopRaise platform.
- Supporters of the nonprofit download the ShopRaise app or browser extension.
- When supporters shop at participating retailers, a portion of their purchase amount is donated to the chosen nonprofit.
ShopRaise offers a wide range of retailers across various categories, including clothing, electronics, and home goods. This provides supporters with ample choices while shopping and allows nonprofits to earn funds from a diverse set of purchases. To sign up for ShopRaise or learn more, click here.
2. RaiseRight
RaiseRight, formerly known as ShopWithScrip, is another excellent alternative to AmazonSmile. This platform allows nonprofits to raise funds by selling gift cards for popular retailers. Here’s how it works:
- Nonprofits sign up and create a profile on the RaiseRight platform.
- Supporters purchase gift cards through the RaiseRight platform, with a portion of the gift card value going directly to the nonprofit.
- Supporters can use these gift cards to shop at their favorite retailers, both online and in-store.
RaiseRight offers a wide selection of retailers, making it easy for supporters to find the perfect gift card for their needs. Nonprofits can also customize their fundraising campaigns by offering specific gift cards that align with their cause. To sign up for RaiseRight or learn more, click here.
3. Giving Assistant
Giving Assistant is a unique online shopping fundraising platform that combines cashback rewards with nonprofit donations. Here’s how it works:
- Nonprofits sign up and create a profile on the Giving Assistant platform.
- Supporters sign up and shop through the Giving Assistant website or app.
- Supporters earn cashback rewards on their purchases, a portion of which can be donated to the chosen nonprofit.
Giving Assistant offers a vast network of retailers, ensuring that supporters have plenty of options when it comes to earning cashback rewards. Nonprofits can also customize their campaigns by promoting specific retailers or offering exclusive deals to their supporters. To sign up for Giving Assistant or learn more, click here.
4. Target Circle Community Giving
Target Circle Community Giving is an exclusive online shopping fundraising platform offered by Target. Here’s how it works:
- Nonprofits sign up and create a profile on the Target Circle platform.
- Supporters shop at Target and use their Target Circle account or app to select a nonprofit to donate to.
- A portion of the purchase amount is donated to the chosen nonprofit.
Target Circle Community Giving offers the advantage of partnering with a well-known and trusted retailer. Supporters who are already regular Target shoppers can seamlessly contribute to their favorite nonprofits through their everyday purchases. To sign up for Target Circle Community Giving or learn more, click here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while AmazonSmile may be ending, there are several credible alternatives that nonprofits can consider for their online shopping fundraising needs. ShopRaise, RaiseRight, Giving Assistant, and Target Circle Community Giving are all excellent options that provide similar benefits and support to nonprofit organizations. Each platform offers unique features and a wide range of participating retailers, ensuring a seamless and effective fundraising experience.
After careful consideration of all the alternatives, the best product that stands out as the top choice is ShopRaise. With its extensive network of retailers and user-friendly interface, ShopRaise offers nonprofits and their supporters a convenient and impactful way to raise funds. To sign up for ShopRaise or learn more about this fantastic platform, click here.
Remember, the end of AmazonSmile doesn’t mean the end of fundraising opportunities. By embracing these alternatives, nonprofits can continue their vital work and make a lasting impact on the causes they support. Happy fundraising!
