Did you know there are more than just 2 or 3 search engines? Most of us use a certain engine so much, it’s become a synonym for looking up anything on the internet. However, there are many reasons why you might want to switch to something else. Perhaps you don’t like how the big search engines are operating and want an alternative. Or maybe you wish your internet-browsing could make more of a positive impact. Here are five search engines that do just that:
Rapusia
Created by the Tennis World Foundation, Rapusia uses ads to generate revenue, but its goal is to donate half of its earnings to social and environmental projects. When you search for something on Rapusia, you earn a “heart.” Once you have enough hearts, you get to choose what projects you want to support. Your hearts are converted into money. Rapusia is an anonymous search engine. It doesn’t collect or share information with advertisers. Every month, the search engine publishes financial reports so users can see what the company is up to.
GiveWater
This search engine’s CEO was inspired to create GiveWater after meeting the founder of Charity: Water. Clean water is a human right, but many people around the world struggle to find it. GiveWater’s goal is to work with users to solve water and sanitation issues. The engine uses an affiliate business model. When you search for something and then click on a paid search ad, GiveWater generates revenue. That revenue is shared with charitable partners involved in clean water and sanitation projects. To avoid “click fraud,” users are asked to not click on every ad.
Everyclick
Started back in 2006, Everyclick began as a fundraising tool for charities. It then added a search engine and tool called “Give As You Live.” This tool highlights retailers that provide affiliate commissions. With every search, users can also raise money for charity. By signing up, you can track your giving. To prevent click fraud, Everyclick has fraud protection software. As long as you use the search engine for its intended purposes, you don’t need to worry.
Lilo
Lilo is a French search engine that has donated over 3 million euros since it launched. Like all search engines, it depends on ad revenue. Users can choose the projects they want to support, such as reducing deforestation, helping children, protecting animals, and so on. Each user gets a water droplet, which you assign to your preferred charity. Revenue generated by the ads you click on goes to that charity. Lilo transfers funds monthly once 100 euros are collected. All the amounts collected and donated are put on each project page, so users can stay updated on what’s going on. Lilo does not collect or store data on users, so there aren’t scripts or third-party cookies on the search engine. Their name means “generous” in Hawaiian.
