Parade and The Case Foundation have teamed up and created “America’s Giving Challenge”, where $500,000 will be awarded to charities whose supporters have attracted the most donors to their cause by using new and innovative online tools such as blogging, email blasts, and social networking sites. The deadline for all donations is January 31st (3PM EST) and according to the rules it looks like there are two ways to participate in the challenge:

(1) Champion a cause: The eight individuals whose charity badges attract the most unique donors through the America’s Giving Challenge will get $50,000 for their cause.

(2) Give to a cause: The 100 nonprofits with the greatest number of unique donations made to them through America’s Giving Challenge will each get $1,000.

Check out the campaign website for official rules and updates on who is taking the lead. By the looks of the current statistics it looks like America has a true soft spot for furry friends…

Current Leading Charities:

(US Based Charities)
1^st The 11^th Hour Animal Rescue Inc 651 donations $16,095
2^nd Newnan Coweta Humane Society 336 donations $6,404
3^rd Saving Georgia Dogs 306 donations $7,850

(Global Causes)
1^st Route out of Poverty for Cambodian Children 341 donations $9,420
2^nd Invest in International Development Leaders 264 donations $7,785
3^rd Educate Slum Children of Sex Workers in India 224 donations $4,511