The Butterfly Effect is an underground movement redefining philanthropy one butterfly at a time by providing individuals the opportunity to give to a cause close to their heart. Harnessing the power of social media we create a ripple effect of contagious generosity through our Butterfly Drops. Recognizing that we can Be the Change we want to see in the world by facilitating small acts of kindness, encouraging generosity, and promoting creativity.
“I have a fledgling idea, of how I want to be the change, and hopefully set into motion molecules of hope, that will set into motion molecules of faith, that will set into motion molecules of love”. —Tasha Wahl Nov 11, 2013 upon founding of Butterfly Effect
Butterflies always captivated the imagination of artist and entrepreneur Tasha Wahl for their eternal symbolism of transformation, hope, beauty, faith and love. So when she created a micro-philanthropic movement that promotes contagious generosity in communities all over the world, of course she modeled it after Edward Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” theory that even the softest flutter of a wing can create a wave that results in major change.
Tasha knew that through small, contagious acts of generosity, the world could become a better place. Inspired by Gandhi’s call to “Be the change you want to see in the world,” the Butterfly Effect Movement was launched in 2013 and its signature giving activity, Butterfly Drops began inspiring people all over the globe to give in unexpected ways.
Butterfly Drop
The heart of the Butterfly Effect Movement is the Butterfly Drop. Each week an artist decorates a beautiful wooden butterfly provided by Butterfly Effect and then hides it in a random location somewhere in the world; big cities and small towns, in hidden crevices, sunlit corners, on sandy beaches and in and around shady trees. Clues are sent out via social media. Once found, a donation is made to a non-profit organization of the finder’s choice. The butterfly is a memento for the finder to keep, but what resonates is change that will bring hope, rebirth, faith and love to the world.
Our Hope
It’s our desire to inspire people to promote change in their communities by participating in a Butterfly Drop. By harnessing the impact of social media and joining that energy with the contagious generosity of people throughout the world, we can bring real and lasting change that, over time, will grow into a beautiful storm of philanthropy. This random act of generosity will hopefully unlock something in the finder who will in turn respond to the invitation to participate in the movement of giving.