In what can only be considered a timely launch given the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy, Facebook has added the ability for users to make donations on behalf of others as part of its Gifts functionality.
While Gifts is still in testing, those with access to the Facebook feature can choose from a list of 11 non-profits and donate up to $25 on behalf of a friend. Both the number of non-profits and the maximum donation are expected to increase as the program expands.
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Gifts already lets you buy some items for friends – Tech Crunch cites Starbucks gift cards and bonsai trees as examples – so in many ways this was a natural step for the social commerce giant to take.
Facebook has noted two other cool features that come along with the Gifts additions: anyone you buy a gift for or donate on behalf of will also receive access to Gifts functions. And if you don’t know what charity your friends would appreciate giving to most, you can donate the money and let them choose the destination later.
The complete list of non-profits you can donate to are: American Red Cross, Blue Star Families, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, DonorsChoose.org, Girls Inc., Kiva, LIVESTRONG, Oxfam America, RAINN, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Water.org.
To see an illustrated step-by-step guide of how to donate on behalf of friends via Gifts, click here.
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