The Case Foundation, established in 1997 by Steve Case, founder of America Online, and his wife Jean Case, has continued the pioneering couple's interest in online media. Determined to push the boundaries of citizen-led philanthropy by way of the Internet, the Case Foundation has encouraged ordinary people to engage in philanthropy through social networks and by way of small donations given by many.
The first America's Giving Challenge was a huge success, with a reported 71,000 people making donations and raising more than $1.8 million for charity.
America's Giving Challenge proved the ability of small nonprofits to compete for donations when social media is used by ordinary citizens, breaking the historic dominant pattern of philanthropy by large donors and foundations.
Since the Challenge, the use of social media in philanthropy has swelled with social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter drawing millions of participants; and an increasing number of micro-giving sites springing up across the Internet.
It's primary focus has been, "...to expand giving, promote everyday philanthropy, deepen civic engagement, and broaden the use of new technologies to make giving more informed, efficient, and effective." In addition, the Case Foundation invests in what it calls "big ideas" that have "transformative potential."
Networking for the Benefit of Others, Financial Times, 11/2/07
The Giving Challenge: Assessment and Reflection Report, 6/22/09.
