The Internet has undoubtedly transformed the way we support great causes. For years, non-profits and individuals alike have flocked to social media to spread awareness, bolstering viral philanthropy through crowdfunding sites such as Indiegogo, Fundly, GoFundMe and others.
A handful of campaigns stand out in recent memory: Funding a vacation that turned into retirement for bullied bus monitor Karen Huff Klein; the collaboration between Humans of New York and Tumblr for Hurricane Sandy relief; and, most recently, support for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing across various platforms.
The positive effects of these individual campaigns were readily apparent at the conclusion of their funding periods, but by juxtaposing the numbers now, we can see the real impact of viral philanthropy as a movement.
In this infographic from eBay Deals and eBay Giving Works, 16 examples prove exactly how our online donations are changing the world for the better. All fundraising totals are current as of Aug. 6.
Be sure to check out the tips at the very end of the graphic for avoiding charity scams, and let us know in the comments which causes you would add to the list.
