Philanthropy 2.0

Want to contribute to the good government community while also giving something back to the community at large? The leaders at social networking site GovLoop on Thursday launched the AwesomeGov fund, an effort to help raise awareness about government-related initiatives or people that aim to make government better.

To celebrate the launch of the fund, GovLoop will donate $1 for each new government professional who joins GovLoop between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15. GovLoop members will then submit charity recommendations and vote for the one that will receive all the money. At the end of the campaign, GovLoop will host a celebration and award the check to the winning charity.

GovLoop also will donate at least 5 percent of all revenue in 2010 to the AwesomeGov Fund to support activities including scholarships, trainings, charity donations and more for individuals and groups that promote public service and give back to the community. GovLoop founder Steve Ressler said in a press release that the GovLoop community already has donated more than $10,000 to several charities through the Kiva GovLoop group.

The launch coincides with the federal government's annual workplace charity effort -- the Combined Federal Campaign -- which also runs through Dec. 15.

"During the holidays, government employees are incredibly generous, making pledges and donations through the Combined Federal Campaign," Ressler said. "As we launch the AwesomeGov Fund, GovLoop intends to promote that spirit of generosity and giving - right alongside our government colleagues."