With tuition and textbook prices frequently increasing, college students cannot afford to be reckless when it comes to money. However, most students can manage a few dollars for a coffee break during finals week or a night out at the local movie theater after a long week of class. While these expenses may seem minor compared to other college costs, these amounts can actually make a huge impact. Many people do not realize how much a couple of dollars can do. Instead App wants to change that!
Instead App is a free app that motivates its users to trade their usual stop at a coffee shop or restaurant for a donation. Upon opening the app, users can see that cooking their own meals three times can provide treatment for an HIV-positive teen for three months. Ditching that soda and drinking water three times instead can provide clean water for three years. The app provides a list of non-profit organizations from the American Heart Association to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America that users can donate to just by choosing to donate instead of making a minor purchase. Users can also suggest charities that they would like to help.
The app makes the donation process simple by asking users what they will give up, how much they will donate instead and where the money will go. In three easy steps, a donor can help fund the research and work of a non-profit organization. The app also offers a way to set up an account through Facebook (not required, as a separate Instead account is also offered) and an option to favorite non-profits. To make the experience even easier, Instead displays categories to help users decide what to give up from food to movies.
College expenses add up so sending a $100 check to a non-profit is unlikely for a college student. Tests and projects also create an obstacle when it comes to making time to volunteer at these organizations. Trading in the latte for water or renting a movie instead of enjoying one on the big screen is a simple move with a great impact on others. Like the makers of Instead say, you don’t have to be a billionaire to change the world.Â
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