<![CDATA[(Good)Searching for Money?]]>I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know about GoodSearch until recently.  It’s basically a search engine that donates about half of its revenue to American charities and schools that register with them.

And yes, by “charities” I mean libraries! From the GoodSearch “About” page:

GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50 percent of its goodsearchsponsored search revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. Because it’s powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers — the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!

GoodSearch has also expanded to include GoodShop (an online shopping “mall”) and GoodDining both of which include donations to causes as part of your purchases. Doesn’t this seem like a cool, and pretty easy, way to get some money for your library?  Does it work, is it a good thing, can it be abused?  I think it bears watching.  I found a few articles, such as:

Searching for services similar to GoodSearch, I found iGive and helpuu (although it looks to me like helpuu chooses the charities/causes, and you can’t add your own).  And, although it works a little differently, I found out about Google Grants through an article which also highlights GoodSearch.

And finally, I thought I’d mention that Amazon lets you create a Wishlist, from which your supporters can buy an item you’re wishing for and have it sent to you.  You can easily advertise your Wishlist on your library’s web page.  This is quite different from the other services described above, but is still a way to augment your library’s budget with an online service.

So, now, let’s hear from you.  Are any of you using any of these, or other similar services?  How do they work?  Please contact me, or comment below.

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