The excellent example of .NET luminaries being "auctioned off" in aid of the Asian tsunami victims has reminded me of an idea that was floating around my head a while back, namely a sort of web-based "clearing house" to help developers use their time and skills to benefit charitable causes. The two initial ideas were to:

  • connect developers with charitable organisations who could benefit from their expertise
  • connect developers with non-charitable (probably "small-ish") organisations who could donate to the developer's nominated charity in exchange for the work done for them

There are obviously some practical issues to be addressed, but in general terms do people think this is a good idea? Is there something like this already and I'm just not aware of it?

Comments, ideas, etc. gratefully received...