# Consumer Directed Philanthropy The Amex Members Project By karl burkart | Published 2008-08-14 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philanthropic-banks-amex-lets-you-fund-amazing-charities References: [membersproject](http://membersproject.com) Usually marketing trends do very little to inspire hope in humanity, but the macro-trend of cause marketing is one that is really making a difference. American Express has been particularly brilliant at linking philanthropic causes with their credit cards (like the Red card). But now they have taken charitable giving online. A new project called The [Members Project](http://www.membersproject.com/) allows users to chose from a gallery of wonderful nonprofit charities in 5 categories -- Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Environment & Wildlife, and Health. The top 25 most nominated charities will receive several million dollars in much-needed funding. You only have 6 more days to vote on your favorite! So do it today by going to the Members Project website. There are a lot of great causes to chose from but my favorite is ARC - the African Rainforest Conservancy. They have been working for decades to preserve the most bio-diverse region on Earth by supporting local villagers in creating sustainable businesses that protect the precious rainforest while providing a means for new economic growth. They are underfunded and have a lot of work to do so I encourage you to [nominate them here](http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/GT58ER). You can visit the [ARC website](http://www.africarainforest.org) to learn more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cause Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing innovative ways for businesses to link their products or services with philanthropic causes. - **Online Charitable Giving:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating platforms that allow users to easily donate to nonprofit charities in various categories online. - **Community Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Finding new ways to support local communities in creating sustainable businesses that have a positive impact on the environment and the economy. ### Where This Applies - **Credit Card Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with nonprofit organizations to offer credit cards that automatically donate a portion of each transaction to charity. - **Technology Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Building user-friendly online platforms and apps that streamline the process of donating to and supporting nonprofit charities. - **Environmental Conservation Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing innovative funding models and scalable solutions to preserve and protect the environment while benefiting local communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Charitable Donation Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rokt.md) - [Charitable Shopping Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/give-freely.md) - [Connective Non-Profit Funding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wingtap.md) - [Charity Contest Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charity-contest.md) - [Charitable Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/24-good-deeds.md) - [Philanthropic Investment Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philanthropy-initiative.md) - [Employee-Led Giving Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/employee-driven-philanthropy.md) - [Collaborative Nonprofit Group Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-labels-big-impact-campaign.md) - [Kindness-Promoting Flower Sharing Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flower-sharing.md)