In just five years, New York-based charity: water has raised nearly $50m. This has been achieved by emphasising transparency; 100% of donations go directly towards projects, and donors can track exactly where their money is going.

Gen Y is often labelled as narcissistic and entitled – yet in 2013, 87% of them gave to charity. Over 60% of Millennials have donated via their mobiles, and they want transparency and simplicity when doing so. Are charities paying enough attention to tomorrow’s philanthropists?

There are over 1.5 million charities in the US alone. We're bombarded by new campaigns and donation requests, both via Facebook and in the street – but it's hard to know who to give to. Dollar a Day lets people “spread their bets”, donating one dollar daily to a range of non-profits.

People are willing to show support for social causes – provided they don't have to do much - and brands are finding new ways to tap into the strength of the herd. By re-engineering menial actions – from buying body lotion to having sex – there are ways to reward everyone.