iGivefirst Recognized as a 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate

Press release (March 27, 2012) — IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program announced iGivefirst as a 2012 Laureate. iGivefirst developed the first secure one-click “Give” button for online readers to choose charities they care about related to the content on the page. The annual award program honors visionary applications of information technology promoting positive social, economic and educational change.

iGivefirst was selected as a Laureate by a panel of 22 distinguished judges — many of them from diverse industries — who evaluated the humanitarian benefits and measurable results of applying technology to meet a specific social need. iGivefirst was one of 20 companies honored worldwide for innovation. Others companies recognized for innovation include Skype, Yahoo Japan and IBM.

“There's no question technology plays a vital role in driving business forward. It ensures an organization's ability to compete, innovate, communicate and to thrive. What the Computerworld Honors Laureates so clearly demonstrate is technology's role in moving society forward. Computerworld acknowledges and applauds the outstanding work being done by individuals and organizations who have successfully used technology to improve the quality of our lives and that of future generations,” said John Amato, vice president/publisher of Computerworld. "Computerworld is proud to name the 2012 class of Laureates and celebrate their initiatives benefiting society through the innovative use of IT.”

iGivefirst utilizes the avenue of new technology and mainstream media to encourage and motivate social giving. The embedded “Give” button allows on-site visitors to do more than just emotionally connect with a news story they read online. Readers have the option to make tangible contributions to federally registered charities associated with the issue they have just read about at the moment of inspiration. All participating charities have been verified and are in good standing with the IRS.

“We are honored to be in such distinguished company as a Computerworld Honors Laureate,” said Sharif Youssef, founder and CEO of iGivefirst. “Our approach is to empower people to create real change with the simple click of a button. We are on a mission to increase charitable donations worldwide and it’s a great honor to be recognized for that.”

The Computerworld Honors Program awards will be presented at the Gala Evening and Awards Ceremony on June 4, 2012 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The June 4 issue of Computerworld magazine will also feature iGivefirst and other Laureate case studies.