iGive

iGive is an online charitable shopping platform that allows shoppers to direct a portion of their online purchases to a charity of their choice. It operates as a portal that connects consumers with participating retailers. No additional cost is added to the shopper’s purchase; the donation comes from the retailer or through iGive’s partner program.

How it works: Users sign up for free and select a preferred charity. They then access participating retailers through the iGive site or via a browser extension. When a purchase is completed through an iGive-enabled link or button, a portion of the purchase price is donated to the user’s chosen charity, funded by the retailer or through iGive’s fundraising arrangement. Purchases made outside the iGive pathway typically do not generate donations.

History and scope: iGive was launched in the early 2000s as part of the online charitable giving landscape. Over the years, it has built a network of participating retailers and a broad catalog of charities across various causes, aiming to turn routine online shopping into philanthropic support.

Features and tools: The platform offers free membership, a charity directory, and a donation-tracking feature so users can monitor contributions. A browser extension or button helps remind shoppers to use the iGive pathway during checkout. Some purchases or retailer terms may affect donation eligibility, such as returns or exclusions set by the retailer.

Limitations and considerations: Donations depend on retailer programs and the specific terms of each transaction. Not every online purchase qualifies, and refunds or returns can affect the final donation. Transparency about donation amounts and distribution may vary by retailer and over time. Users should review current terms on the iGive site to understand how donations are calculated.