Donating to charities and non-profit organizations is a wonderful way to give back to our communities and make a positive impact on the world. However, with so many different causes and organizations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to donate your hard-earned money. Luckily, there is a simple and convenient solution – donate through Amazon Smile.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of using Amazon Smile for donations. We will cover what it is, how it works, and why it is a great option for those looking to make a difference. We will also provide tips on how to use Amazon Smile effectively and share some examples of successful donations made through the platform. So let’s dive in and learn more about donating through Amazon Smile.
What is Amazon Smile?
Amazon Smile is a program launched by Amazon in 2013 that allows customers to donate 0.5% of their eligible purchases to a charity of their choice. It operates as a separate website (smile.amazon.com) from the main Amazon site, but offers the same products and prices. The only difference is that when you shop through Amazon Smile, a portion of your purchase goes towards supporting a charitable cause.
How does it work?
To use Amazon Smile, simply go to smile.amazon.com and log in with your regular Amazon account credentials. You will then be prompted to select a charity from a list of over 1 million organizations. Once you have selected your preferred charity, every time you make a purchase through Amazon Smile, 0.5% of the total purchase price will be donated to that organization.
Why Choose Amazon Smile for Donations?
There are many reasons why Amazon Smile is a great option for those looking to donate to charity. Here are just a few benefits of using Amazon Smile:
Convenience
One of the biggest draws of Amazon Smile is its convenience. With millions of products available on Amazon, you can easily find everything you need in one place while also supporting a charity of your choice. You don’t have to go out of your way to make a donation – simply shop as you normally would and Amazon will take care of the rest.
Wide Selection of Charities
As mentioned earlier, there are over 1 million charities to choose from on Amazon Smile, making it easy to support a cause that is important to you. These charities range from local non-profits to international organizations, allowing you to support causes that align with your values and beliefs.
No Additional Cost to You
Donating through Amazon Smile does not cost you anything extra. The 0.5% donation is made by Amazon and does not affect the price of your purchase. So not only are you giving back, but you are also getting the same great deals and prices offered on the main Amazon site.
Easy to Use
Using Amazon Smile is incredibly simple and does not require any additional steps or effort. Once you select your charity, all you have to do is remember to make your purchases through smile.amazon.com instead of the regular Amazon site. Amazon even offers browser extensions and mobile apps to make it even easier to shop through Amazon Smile.
How to Use Amazon Smile Effectively
While using Amazon Smile is straightforward, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your donations are maximized and effectively used:
Check Eligibility
Not every product on Amazon is eligible for Amazon Smile donations. Look for the “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” note under the price of the item to ensure your purchase will benefit your chosen charity.
Use the Amazon Smile Button
Amazon offers a browser extension called “Amazon Smile Assistant” that automatically redirects you to smile.amazon.com every time you shop on Amazon. This ensures that you never forget to use Amazon Smile and that your purchases are always counted towards a donation.
Share with Friends and Family
Encourage your friends and family to use Amazon Smile as well by sharing the link and information about the program. This allows you to make an even bigger impact by collectively supporting a cause that is important to all of you.
Examples of Successful Donations Through Amazon Smile
There have been countless success stories of donations made through Amazon Smile. Here are just a few examples:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a leading pediatric treatment and research facility, has received over $22 million in donations from Amazon Smile since 2013. These donations go towards providing lifesaving treatments and care for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education, has received over $19 million in donations through Amazon Smile. These funds have helped provide aid to those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies around the world.
WWF
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international conservation organization, has received over $17 million in donations through Amazon Smile. These contributions support projects aimed at protecting wildlife and their habitats, promoting sustainable living, and conserving natural resources.
FAQs
1. How do I select a charity on Amazon Smile?
When you first log in to smile.amazon.com, you will be prompted to choose a charity from a list of over 1 million organizations. You can also change your selected charity at any time by clicking on the “Supporting: [charity name]” dropdown menu at the top of the page and selecting a new charity.
2. Do I need a separate Amazon account for Amazon Smile?
No, you can log in to smile.amazon.com using your regular Amazon account credentials.
3. Can I use Amazon Smile on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use Amazon Smile on your mobile device by accessing smile.amazon.com through your browser or by using the Amazon shopping app with Amazon Smile enabled.
4. Is my donation tax-deductible?
Donations made through Amazon Smile are not tax-deductible for the customer. However, Amazon will make quarterly donations to eligible charities and provide them with donation reports for tax purposes.
5. Does Amazon take a cut of the donations?
No, Amazon does not take any portion of the donations made through Amazon Smile. The full 0.5% goes directly to the selected charity.
Conclusion
Using Amazon Smile to donate to charity is a simple and effective way to give back to our communities and support causes that are important to us. With its convenience, wide selection of charities, and no additional cost to the customer, it’s no wonder why Amazon Smile has become a popular choice for donations. So next time you shop on Amazon, remember to use Amazon Smile – every purchase counts towards making a positive impact in the world.
