Arianna’s post this weekend is all about online giving: how it’s becoming more popular, young people are spearheading a lot of online efforts and essentially, the internet is changing the face of charity.

Donations overall increased in 2007 and it was the first time in U.S. history that charitable giving surpassed $300 billion. (online donations accounted for close to $7 billion in 2006.)

Arianna suggests that “A key element of many of these new nonprofits is that they allow donors to connect directly to those they are helping” like Kiva.org and DonorsChoose.org.

For me, donating online is about expediency and discovery.

When Katrina hit and the earthquake in China struck I felt so powerless and writing a check, stamping an envelope and go to the mailbox just seemed like my help was never going to arrive. And there are times where I know I feel passionate about something but don’t know where I want to give. Many non-profits don’t have budgets to advertise so without the help of online tools, I may have never found the places I most enjoy supporting.

Why do you donate online?

takepart and donate through one of my favorite charities, DonorsChoose.org

Related:

Charity Begins at Home But It Is Moving Online