Micro-funding using online social networks is a growing trend for charities and causes. It’s about reaching out and getting a lot of people to each give a little bit.

Micro-funding is taking off because it enables individuals to give on a smaller scale with little risk. Through sites like Facebook or Twitter, people can make micro-donations to your nonprofit using secure, third party donation tools. Just about anyone can raise funds for a cause using tools such as TipJoy, ChipIn, FirstGiving or Fundable, to name a few.

When people realize they can help make a difference for the price of a cup of coffee, they are more willing to give, and you can successfully raise funds for your organization without waiting for big donors, who are getting scarcer in this down economy.