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HelpAttack has created a unique way to encourage people to give to a charity. Through HelpAttack, users can pledge to donate a specific amount for each activity they complete online through their Twitter and Facebook social networks. The user also sets a specific amount of time for their pledge. At the end of the timeframe, the user makes good on their pledge by submitting the donation based on the pledge amount and number of activities they completed. HelpAttack has also implemented a coin system. Users earn coins by performing tasks on HelpAttack. Users are invited to submit their favorite charities if they cannot find them already listed on the site. HelpAttack accepts Visa or MasterCard donation payments. Most pledge cycles last approximately 30 days, however HelpAttack may extend the pledge cycle if the user has not accumulated at least $10 towards their donation.

HelpAttack was created to provide users with a fun, engaging way to donate to a charity they feel strongly about. The current HelpAttack team includes CEO Ehren Foss and founders David J. Neff and Sarah Vela. Neff brings more than 10 years of experience with non profit organizations to the site. He was also awarded the American Marketing Associations Social Media Marketer of the Year award for 2009. Sarah is a podcaster and marketing specialist who has presented at conferences including VideoCamp Austin, OneWebDay and SXSW Interactive.

There are a number of ways to donate to charities online. HelpAttack presents a new way that can encourage users. The system utilizes social networks in a way that is fun. Many people frequent Twitter and Facebook each day, making them an ideal source for accumulating pledge dollars.

The HelpAttack website utilizes a fun, almost playful design that features comical cartoon images scattered throughout. The stylish logo includes a blue border and whit text with a slightly urban style. Large orange buttons and a warm, yellow background create a perfect contrast against the site’s light shades of blue.

A new user can create a HelpAttack account by signing in through their Facebook or Twitter account. The site does not currently offer a traditional registration form at this time. This seems like a good choice considering the fact that the user must have a Twitter or Facebook account before using the application. This may seem limiting on other websites, but for HelpAttack it is a good way to help users connect and begin working on their charity pledges.

HelpAttack does not charge users for logging in. The user is expected to make good on their pledge at the end of the pledge period. However the site does not charge a fee or take a percentage of the pledge when it is made. There are no subscription fees or other charges, either. HelpAttack is funded by a grant paid to the Network For Good (which powers HelpAttack). Each time a donation is made, a 4.75% grant is given to the network to cover costs.

HelpAttack is a great tool for anyone who loves Twitter and Facebook and would like to begin donating to a charity. The application provides a fun, entertaining way to give something to a charity the user feels strongly about.

• Connect through a Facebook or Twitter account
• Decide on your pledge amount
• Set a specific amount of time for your pledge
• Pay pledges with a Visa or MasterCard credit card
• Suggest a charity that is not currently listed on HelpAttack

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