WASHINGTON, D.C., DECEMBER 9, 2014 – Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) joined #GivingTuesday, a ground-breaking effort that harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners — charities, families, businesses, and individuals — to transform how people think about and participate in the giving season. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support, and help create a better world.

For a month leading up to December 2, AKF USA’s Giving Tuesday campaign harnessed the power of social media, joining this national movement dedicated to giving. The AKF USA campaign featured stories of how real people in remote and challenging places – from Afghanistan to Mali – see change in their communities.

These first-hand stories of local heroes show how lasting, positive change actually makes a tremendous difference in some of the poorest areas of the planet. The campaign brought in $178,000, over eight times the original goal of $20,000. Read the full press release here.

Update to December 9 press release: The campaign raised $178,000 by the time the donation period ended on December 31, 2014.