July 26, 2007

Casting Ballots for Charity

By Sam Kean

Online popularity contests drive philanthropic decisions

An increasing number of grant makers are asking everyday citizens to vote on proposals from organizations seeking money — a process not unlike how the American Idol television show vets aspiring singers to find potential superstars.

Technology-minded nonprofit groups as well as big foundations and companies have sponsored votes — or announced plans to do so — in recent

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