Digital fundraising: 15 popular crowdfunding sites for social causes

Millions of dollars for basic necessities like food, clean water and temporary shelter — as well as for longer-term projects like the rebuilding of schools, hospitals and houses — can be raised through relatively small amounts of money from individuals and entities across the globe, mostly through the Internet. Crowdfunding, as the movement and practice is known, leverages social media and web-based communication to solicit small monetary contributions from a large group of people. The emergence of more specialized crowdfunding websites suggests that this type of digital fundraising is becoming more common in the development and humanitarian community. Here are 15 popular crowdfunding sites for social causes and development initiatives, based everywhere from New Delhi, India to Brooklyn, New York. Devex Professional Membership means access to the latest buzz, innovations, and lifestyle tips for development, health, sustainability and humanitarian professionals like you. Our mission is to do more good for more people. If you think the right information can make a difference, we invite you to join us by making a small investment in Professional Membership.