With the explosion of the ice bucket challenge in recent weeks raising over $60 million for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it is clear that charity is an integral part of the world. Giving back seems to have gone social in recent years with several online donation platforms such as GoFundMe springing up and allowing people to give directly to those in need.

While the integrity of individual crowdfunding campaigns can vary and donations made to individuals on social charity sites aren’t yet tax deductible, it is clear that people want to connect to the causes and charities that impact them in a personal way. Many people when nominated upheld the ice bucket challenge and it went viral with overwhelming support from celebrities, sports teams and CEOs. The challenge, dumping a bucket of ice water over ones head and/or donating money, has been see online and in media in recent weeks and has been praised for bringing awareness to a great cause.

It has received some declines though from those citing other charities or causes they believe in that conflict with the challenge. Pamela Anderson declined the challenge stating that the ALS association has done animal research. A firm supporter of animal rights, she chose not to fall to social pressure. Similarly Zachary Quinto also decided not to participate in the challenge highlighting the waste of water in the midst of a disastrous drought in California and the fact that in many developing countries around the world drinking water is in dire need.

The fact is that there are a multitude of worthy causes and charities around the world that need help. And while all are worthwhile, it is important to connect to the causes that deeply impact you the most and get involved. The social element of giving should only enhance our efforts to connect with charities that truly impact our lives.

Mycharitymap makes it easy to connect with the charities and causes that matter to you the most. You can search by name or location, go to a charity profile page, see what projects they are working on, or if they are looking for volunteers and get connected with them.

Mycharitymap.org is the gateway to finding the charity that impacts you the most. Get connected to your cause today! Visit and register now.