28 Social Good Apps that Help You Impact the World.

Technology has shaped not only our lives, but the future of the world. However, when we think of the influence mobile apps have had, we tend to focus on the ‘cool’ and ‘fun’ ways they’ve impacted us. For example, they allow us to order virtually any good or service on-demand, find a date, and stay in constant contact with our friends. What we sometimes forget is that apps also allow us to effect the world in ways that weren’t previously easy or possible. The apps featured below range from disaster warning apps, to social good apps, to political apps. It’s easy to become so overwhelmed by the constant stream of tragic media news that you feel powerless. These apps give each of us the power to make a positive difference in the world every day, even if it’s in a small way.

Disaster alert apps.

In light of the recent tragedy in Orlando, along with the plethora of man-made and natural disasters that take place daily, it’s more important than ever for us to warn and be warned of impending danger, which is exactly what the below apps make possible.

1. Disaster Alert App — Alerts and real-time map that report natural and man-made disasters worldwide. iTunes. Google Play.

2. Emergency Radio — Police scanner app that works with 1000s of frequencies and has an extensive database of live broadcasts. iTunes.

3. And many more, including the following (which are all iTunes links): WISER, RadarScope, First Aid by Red Cross,Outbreaks Near Me, FEMA, Shelter View, FloodWatch, Hurricane Tracker, NFPA 2010, and NIMS ICS.

Apps that support businesses who do good.

1. eGood — Connects communities, companies and causes. Helps you find businesses that support social causes. These companies donate a percentage of your purchase to a cause. iTunes.

2. Orange Harp — Allows you to purchase from small businesses who make their products using high-quality, natural, or renewable materials, and that manufacture in an eco-friendly, sustainable way. iTunes.

3. GoodGuide — Scan a product’s barcode to learn if it is safe, healthy, green and socially-responsible. iTunes.

Apps that help those in need.

1. Feedie — Post photos of your food at participating restaurants, and they will donate food to South African children. iTunes. Google Play.

2. ShareTheMeal (a UN World Food Programme App) — Share a meal from wherever you are with a hungry child in need. It costs $0.50 to feed a child for a day. iTunes. Google Play.

Daily donation/cause apps.

1. One Today — Presents you with a new nonprofit project each day, and allows you to donate $1 each day. iTunes. Google Play.

2. Stand4 — Log in once per day, take a stand for a cause, and Stand4’s corporate sponsors will make a donation to the cause you stood for. You can view your total impact over time on your profile. iTunes. Google Play.

3. We365 — Accept inspiring challenges each day that help you better yourself and the world. iTunes. Google Play.

Apps that help you earn donations for fun activities you already do.

1. Charity Miles — Earn money for working out. The app’s corporate sponsors donate $0.10/mile for bikers, and $0.25/mile for walkers and runners to a charity of your choice. iTunes. Google Play.

2. MicroHero — Answer market research survey questions, and the brands who have created the surveys will donate to your favorite non-profit. iTunes.

3. Fotition — Post and participate in photo challenges. In return, sponsors donate to charities on your behalf. iTunes.

4. Forward — Take photos of stuff you have that you want to give away. The ‘buyer’ will donate to a local charity in exchange for your stuff. iTunes. Google Play.

Apps that help you find, research, and donate to worthy charities.

1. Givlify (iTunes, Google Play), and 2. CharityBox (iTunes, Google Play).

Social apps that allow you to voice your concerns, opinions, and causes (without blowing up everyone’s Facebook newsfeed…).

1. iCitizen — Allows you to become civically-engaged by weighing in on issues you care about that effect your community and government. iTunes. Google Play.

2. Horyou — Social network for social good. iTunes. Google Play.

Other non-app/software companies that I really like and support…

1. Solar Roadways — I’ve been enamored with Solar Roadways since their first crowdfunding campaign. They can always use more donations and volunteer professional/consulting services (I do both).

2. JOACHIM — Makes beautiful wooden clocks. For each clock purchased, the company plants 100 new trees.

Know of more that weren’t listed here, or have experience using one of the above that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you. Just reach out directly to lauren@snapmobile.io.

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