The Case Foundation, Facebook Causes and PARADE Publications just launched the 2009 America’s Giving Challenge, a competition designed to raise both awareness and funds for charitable causes.

From now through November 6, they’ll be giving away a total of $170,00 in prize money to participating U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities who raise the most donations through the Causes application on Facebook, with daily and overall awards ranging from $500 to $50,000.

What I find most interesting is that the Challenge is based on the number of donations raised, not on the total dollar amount — in other words, the emphasis is on mobilizing your network of supporters to spread the word and to rally support in their own social networks.  There is a $10 minimum in order for a donation to be counted towards the Challenge, but it’s not necessary for your supporters to join Facebook to make a donation.

To help raise the public profile of the America’s Giving Challenge 2009,  PARADE magazine will publish a cover story by actor and philanthropist Matt Damon, on October 11th, urging readers to

Find out what you can do to make a difference.  Take five minutes to educate yourself on an issue you didn’t know about before. Then tell somebody else. Or make a small donation, if you can. Every dollar counts.

Learn more, or register to take part in the 2009 America’s Giving Challenge, at www.americasgivingchallenge.com.