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How To Donate To A Good Cause Through Facebook

by April Siese

Facebook is implementing a new feature that makes it easier than ever to show support for important causes while also truly making a difference. In a recent announcement on CEO Mark Zuckerberg's page, the Facebook founder unveiled donation buttons for select nonprofits as well as fundraiser campaign pages. The fundraisers you should donate to on Facebook range from the Mercy Corps' Syrian Refugee Crisis Response campaign to the World Wildlife Fund's Be The Hero Nature Needs campaign.

In unveiling the features, Zuckerberg highlighted the many ways in which Facebook users have positively contributed to nonprofits and relief efforts. According to Facebook, over $15 million was raised on the site to help victims of the Nepal earthquake. Zuckerberg added:

These new tools for nonprofits include a simple Donate button on posts and pages, and fundraiser pages where they can raise awareness for specific campaigns. These tools should help nonprofits reach new supporters, engage their community and get valuable funding needed to do their good work... I'm excited to see how our community uses these new tools to do even more good in the world.

Already, over 1,000 people have donated to the aforementioned Mercy Corps campaign, putting the organization over halfway to their $50,000 goal. Likewise, over $1,000 has been donated to the WWF's Facebook initiative. Additional nonprofits seeking support via Facebook include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Girls Inc, and the ASPCA.

Clicking on the donation button for a nonprofit page pulls up a menu with two different payment options — either credit or debit card, or PayPal. Eligible donations range from $5 to $999. Though Facebook is not currently charging a fee to nonprofits, the social network is looking to implement a nominal charge later next year. The donation and fundraiser features are being tested in 20 countries, including the United States. A total of 37 organizations are currently using the feature. While Facebook is looking to eventually expand their donation and campaign services, both are currently only available to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that must be approved by the social network.

There are a wide variety of organizations to donate to on Facebook currently. Whether you're passionate about providing clean water for all or helping victims of domestic violence, the social network provides a convenient way to make a positive impact as well as recruit others to follow suit. The added features make it easier to share causes with friends. Donate buttons will appear when you share eligible nonprofit pages on your personal Facebook.