That exponential increase, according to the ePhilanthropy Foundation, is akin to that seen with the advent of eBay in the online auction world. With new accessibility to internet donor sites, and a greater percentage of users online, the public can now find and support specific charities to suit their needs, stay apprised of current news, and donate to bigger fundraisers -- such as relief for Hurricane Katrina -- with relative ease.

In addition, starting a philanthropic website has never been easier. Motivated citizens have initiated many of their own giving programs, including Modest Needs, a site devoted to help poverty-stricken people deal with sudden financial loss, and Donors Choose, a site devoted to obtaining better supplies for the classroom. Teachers started both sites.

Each of these helps reach a specific demographic that large nonprofits might not hit directly. Said Chris Deiglmeier of the Center for Social Innovation, "[These organizations] open up the possibility to myriads of people the realm of giving to something besides their church."