SaveChicago: Better Than Selling Candy

Aiming to bring down Google Adwords (not likely) by keeping online ad revenue local (quite likely), SaveChicago.org is connecting businesses, consumers and the nonprofits they love, turning bargain hunting into desk-chair philanthropy.

Chicago actor Steve Misetic started the site to keep ad dollars from “fleeing to Silicon Valley.” He splits the revenues from companies promoting “Hyper-Local Sales” with registered non-profits. Users signing up to find cheap wings, slacks, and books help funnel the ad sales into the coffers of their favorite church, synagogue, theater, arts group, or other cash-strapped cause.

Misetic envisions a movement that may sweep the nation and change the nature of fundraising. Whether or not that happens, his idea is tapping into the web’s efficiency and an ongoing desire to support good causes quickly and easily. To sweeten the deal, they’re offering $15 gift cards to new members and $35 gift cards to new non-profit members. Finding a happy hour special never felt so rewarding.