idealist.org

Members Project: Vote by October 13

By Flickr user ToastyKen
For any American Express cardholders out there, there’s a chance right now for you to use your credit card to make a difference. No swipe needed—all you have to do is log on and vote.

The American Express Members Project is giving away $1.5 million in funding to an inspiring project dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. From over 1,190 projects submitted, the following five were chosen as finalists:

Help 100,000 children thrive in the classroom! Through DonorsChoose.org, provide 4,000 low-income classrooms across the country with needed school supplies.

Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children: International Medical Corps’ program to prevent children from dying of starvation.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters: Help the Alzheimer’s Association educate the public about a disease that affects five million people.

Loans that Change Lives: Using the web platform of Kiva.org, fight global poverty by becoming a “social investor” for entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Feeding 1 Million Children Daily: Provide school lunch for children across India through the Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The deadline to cast your vote is October 13.

This post is by Celeste, who writes frequently here and on the Idealist in NYC blog.