Amazon Smile, the philanthropic initiative launched by Amazon in 2013, allowed customers to support their favorite charities effortlessly. By shopping through smile.amazon.com, a portion of eligible purchases was donated to a chosen nonprofit. However, as of February 20, 2023, Amazon Smile has been officially discontinued.
Why Did Amazon Discontinue Amazon Smile?
Amazon cited the program’s limited impact as the primary reason for its closure. With over one million eligible organizations worldwide, the donations were spread thin, leading to an average annual contribution of approximately $230 per charity in the U.S. Amazon stated that this dispersion diluted the program’s effectiveness in creating significant change.
Additionally, the decision aligns with Amazon’s broader cost-cutting measures, including substantial layoffs and restructuring efforts.
The Impact on Charities
While the average donations per charity were modest, for many small and local nonprofits, the funds from Amazon Smile were meaningful. For instance, the Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary in New York received nearly $9,400 through the program, which significantly supported their operations.
The sudden termination of the program left many organizations scrambling to find alternative funding sources. Amazon did provide a one-time donation equivalent to three months of what each charity earned in 2022 to assist with the transition.
Alternatives to Amazon Smile
With the discontinuation of Amazon Smile, consumers and nonprofits are exploring other avenues to support charitable causes:
1. ShopRaise
ShopRaise is a platform similar to Amazon Smile, allowing users to support nonprofits through everyday shopping. By using the ShopRaise app or website, a percentage of purchases from participating retailers is donated to a chosen organization.
2. RaiseRight
RaiseRight offers a gift card fundraising program where users purchase gift cards for everyday expenses, and a portion of the proceeds goes to their selected nonprofit. This method provides a straightforward way to contribute without additional spending.
3. Direct Donations and Wish Lists
Many nonprofits have set up direct donation options and wish lists on various platforms, including Amazon. Supporting organizations through these channels ensures that donations go directly to the intended cause.
Amazon’s Continued Philanthropic Efforts
Despite ending Amazon Smile, Amazon continues to engage in philanthropic activities through other programs:
- Housing Equity Fund: Investing in affordable housing projects to support low- to moderate-income families.
- Amazon Future Engineer: Providing computer science education to underserved communities.
- Community Delivery Program: Partnering with food banks to deliver meals to families in need.
- Disaster Relief: Utilizing logistics capabilities to aid communities affected by natural disasters.
Conclusion
Amazon Smile is no longer active as of February 20, 2023. While the program’s closure has impacted many nonprofits, alternative platforms like ShopRaise and RaiseRight offer new opportunities for charitable giving. Consumers are encouraged to explore these options and continue supporting their favorite causes through direct donations and other means.
