“Now on the Spot (NOT$) is to philanthropy what the open source movement is to computer software. We provide information so you can support worthwhile organizations – directly, effectively, and transparently.”
Now, on the Spot (NOT$) was concept was formulated by Jean-Guy Rioux, a Canadian technologist living in Japan and his wife, Noriko Oyama. Frequent business travelers, Noriko and Jean-Guy wanted to help underprivileged people in the communities that they visited, but they were frustrated by the lack of transparency and high overheads he found among most charities, hence the Now on the Spot (NOT$).
How it works
When you know you will be visiting a city or town, set aside some time such as a morning or an afternoon. Then find an aid organization like an orphanage, home for the aged or hospice that you would like to support (see our ‘Organizations‘ page for ideas) – talk to your hotel concierge or your local contacts. Contact your selected organization and explain that you would like to make a donation using the Now, on the Spot (NOT$) concept (you can point them to this website to explain the idea), and arrange a convenient time to meet and discuss their needs. Then you and a representative from the orphanage, home or hospice visit local retailers, where you buy what the organization needs according to your means – now on the spot. We recommend practical, locally available and/or made items, like staple foods, baby formula, soap, diapers, clothing, shoes, school supplies, etc.
Remember with NOT$, your donation is always in the form of goods, not cash (NOT$).
If you wish after you have made your donation, email us pictures and details of your gift, like the names of the recipient and donors, what you donated, etc. We will upload is so the information will help other travelers find worthy recipients and make useful donations. We will respect your wishes if you prefer to give anonymously.
To learn more about NOT$ and donations that have been made using the concept, visit our organizations page and out blog.
