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Class Action Philanthropy?

Posted by Cliff on from the using-the-law-to-your-advantage dept.

Graymalkin asks: "I just got my paperwork to join in on the class action suit against Microsoft in California. I think I missed out on the free PC from Lindows and besides I've really got no need for a new system. Since I've got a few of these vouchers coming to me I was thinking instead of getting something for myself I could transfer them to a 501(c)(3) OSS group. The $16 per voucher isn't a lot but enough of them could really add up. According to the paperwork a person can donate up to $650 worth of vouchers and any single charity or group can receive up to $10,000 worth of vouchers. I'm wondering if any sites have been set up to help facilitate this sort of thing. I could of course just get cash for it and leave an anonymous package on the doorstep of the nearest OSS project but I was hoping for something a little more suave. Any leads, links, other that might help me and possibly other philanthropic souls out?"

5 comments

  1. Wow by Rick+the+Red · · Score: 2, Interesting

    A slashdotter with class. Whoda thunkit?

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    If all this should have a reason, we would be the last to know.
  2. Iomega by JMandingo · · Score: 1

    Class action suits are worthless. I participated in one against Iomega for the "clicking death" problem that I and so many others had with their early production Zip drives. What was my reward? A whopping $10 certificate towards a new Iomega Zip drive. Worthless!!! I'm sure the lawyers on both sides made millions and had a good laughing time doing it [insert favorite lawyer slur here].

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    Vonnegut was right: Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are, "It might have been."
  3. start with these guys by SolemnDragon · · Score: 3, Informative

    The Philanthropy Institute. Their specialty is 'helping donors make informed giving decisions.' And from what i've seen, they really do. They may be the people to contact, because they can put you in touch with the people looking for such things.

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    "I'd say 'Have a good time,' but arson is still illegal.
    1. Re:start with these guys by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Which is a good thing, because I want a lot of time and labor invested in making the decision of where to put my $16.

      If you don't already make regular charitable contributions to some groups you believe in, you're hopeless. You're acting as if this is some kind of windfall. Dude, it's $16.