How to Donate to BBBS Without Writing a Check

November 11, 2011, Niles, Michigan – Learn How to Donate to BBBS Without Writing a Check

As the economy continues to squeeze donors, a recent report conducted by Campbell Rinker showed disturbing results—that nearly 7 in 10 Americans say they will give more sparingly to charities in the coming months. As a result, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass is looking to find ways for donors to help them financially without having to dip into their pocketbooks again. Here are eight ways our supporters can help BBBS!

1. Shop online: As the holiday season approaches and people get set to spend significant funds on gifts, they can start their shopping at igive.com or at GoodShop.com. Each one is a respected shopping portal that donates a percentage of almost every purchase from more than 2,500 stores (including Gap, Target, Staples, and Macy's) to nonprofit organizations. In addition, GoodShop lists more than 100,000 coupons, so your supporters can save money at the same time as they are earning money for your nonprofit!.
   
   
2. Recycle electronics and turn them in for cash. You can read more at Gazelle.
   
   
3. Redeem credit card points: Turn unused credit card points into a charitable donation to BBBS. Both American Express and Citi Card offer this program.
   
   
4. Search the Internet: GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo!-powered search engine that donates about a penny per search to your cause. You use it exactly as you would any other search engine, but each time someone does a search, a donation is made! The ASPCA, for example, has already earned over $34,000 from its supporters' searches!.
   
   
5. Meet someone for a tasty beverage: Partner with a local bar (or restaurant or retailer) and create a campaign whereby you will send people to their establishment, and each time someone "checks in" at that location via FourSquare, the establishment will make a donation to your cause. You'll earn money for your cause and provide great marketing for them.
   
   
6. Donate airline and hotel miles: Although airlines and hotels do not have specific programs that allow flyers to donate miles to any organization they choose, most airlines allow people to use their frequent flier miles to buy tickets or office items for other people. BBBS supporters can use their miles to buy tickets or office items for BBBS.
   
   
7. Dine Out: Through GoodDining.com, up to 6 percent of the money spent on a meal at 10,000 restaurants across the country will be donated to your cause.
   
   
8. Volunteer: There are a handful of companies that match volunteer hours with funds. For example, Microsoft will match volunteer time at $17 an hour through its Volunteer Time Matching program. Boeing, Exxon, Intel, Chevron, and Bank of America have similar programs.

Thank you for considering these innovative ways to support mentoring in Southwest Michigan!

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, a United Way partner agency, helps vulnerable children beat negative odds. Professionally-supported volunteer services are proven to reduce children’s risk of dropping out of school; becoming violent; using drugs and alcohol; and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and its network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges that children in too many communities confront. There’s an urgent demand for what the organization achieves. In addition to the traditional mentoring program, which matches a Big Brother or a Big Sister with a child of the same gender for at least one year, BBBS provides "Lunch Buddy" mentors who meet with a child at their school once a week during lunchtime. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization celebrating 42 years of service in Berrien and Cass counties of Southwest Michigan. Learn how to join the movement to change how children grow up in Berrien and Cass Counties by going to BBBSofBC.org or call (269) 684-1100, toll free (877) 367-2244.