Search Engines Give Back

Search engines already perform a valuable service by helping us access a wealth of information with just a few keystrokes. But that's not all they have to offer. 

Earlier this month, Carbonfund launched Envirosearch.org, a free search engine that supports conservation efforts with the revenue it generates from Yahoo! ads. Powered by Bing, Envirosearch funds tree-planting efforts in Haiti, India, and the U.S. Partner organizations, including EDF, the Environmental Media Association, and the National Wildlife Federation, also get part of the search-generated cash.

Not to be left out, Google yesterday announced its Google for Nonprofits program, which provides free resources to qualifying nonprofits, including up to $10,000 per month of ad placement with Google AdWords. The search giant is also making it easier to donate to relief efforts in disaster-stricken Japan by absorbing processing fees for online donations placed via Google Checkout.

--Della Watson