Buzz
You can contribute to a nonprofit without spending money by offering your time through volunteering or simply helping spread the word about their cause. Alternatively, you can shop on Amazon and support your favorite charity.
Wait, seriously?
Amazon introduced the AmazonSmile initiative in 2013, and according to the company, it has donated over $155 million to tens of thousands of charitable organizations since its launch.
For some perspective, Amazon generated $70 billion in revenue just in the third quarter of 2019. It's hard not to feel that the sum donated to charity over six years is negligible compared to the company's earnings in just three months. But even when considering profit, Amazon still makes billions annually.
Does this gap suggest that AmazonSmile is just a sham and not worth your support?
Not necessarily, though it shouldn't be your primary method of donating to charity.
Amazon does contribute to causes beyond the half-percent of “eligible products” donated to the charity of your choice. This week, the company revealed that it had fulfilled product wish lists for several organizations, and will also contribute $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support groups helping people facing homelessness this holiday season.
“It’s a great option because it’s free,” said Ashley Post, communications manager at Charity Navigator. “It’s silly to leave that money on the table” since Amazon is the one footing the bill based on your purchases, she explained.
Admittedly, it’s a small contribution, Post acknowledged. “It should never take the place of a real donation,” she added. While some large, well-known organizations have benefited significantly from AmazonSmile, Post pointed out that smaller, regional charities may not see much of an impact.
However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid AmazonSmile in favor of direct donations. If you’re already planning to shop on Amazon, why not use it? For your holiday shopping, Post suggested, but also set aside some extra funds to contribute directly to a cause that truly matters to you. When it comes to charity, cash is king, as it allows organizations the flexibility to address their immediate needs.
As always, before donating, make sure to research the organization’s mission and how it allocates its funds by consulting directories like Charity Navigator or Guidestar.
