There is a clear, growing trend of organizations trying to figure out how they can incorporate charitable models into their offerings. Skimming the web, as I do each morning, I found an interesting article on a start-up whose proposed model is to take part of an ATM transaction fee and allow the user to choose a specific charitable organization to donate it to.
Disclaimer: 1st Mariner Bank does not endorse Choose Change ATM, nor do we use it's service.
According to the article, "Choose Change ATM empowers users to contribute a portion of their fees to support their favourite charitable causes.
Launched in February, Choose Change ATM has developed a brand of ATMs that lets users donate $1 of each $2 transaction fee to a non-profit organization of their choice. Users select from a display of eight non-profits, supporting causes such as disaster aid, poverty relief and human rights.
Choose Change provides a convenient way for people to support causes they are passionate about. It's a shining example of the kind of corporate generosity increasingly sought after by customers seeking brands that are more in tune with a spirit of giving."
While we do not endorse this company, we do wish them well and think this is an interesting model that is worth discussing. So, my question is: Would you look for and use a specific ATM knowing that part of the transaction fee could go to a charity of your choice? You can respond in the comments section below.