The Boston Foundation, one of the longest-standing community foundations in the United States, recently announced the launch of its online giving platform, The Giving Common. At least 300 nonprofit organizations have already signed up to use the platform, voluntarily contributing information about their goals, programs and financial information so they can identify fundraising opportunities online.

Philanthropists can browse and search the listings to identify nonprofit programs to which they would like to donate, and easily make direct contributions.

"Never before have Boston-area donors so easily been able to see and analyze the missions, program offerings and financial information of Massachusetts nonprofits in one place - and immediately target their donations to the organizations of their choice," said Paul S. Grogan, president and CEO of the Boston Foundation.

To launch the site, the Boston Foundation plans to hold a 36-hour event, called the "Giving Common Challenge." The fundraiser is scheduled for October 10, and will include all nonprofits that complete a profile by August 1.

Nonprofits that want to boost philanthropic giving for programs can develop a web-based platform that will enable them to raise funds online.