As mobile social networks and check-ins gain traction, companies like Foursquare, BriteKite, Loopt, Gowalla and Google should keep an eye on CauseWorld. CauseWorld is a mobile application that allows users to check-in to a partner location and earn “karma points.” While Foursquare and Gowalla have slowly rolled out partnerships with Bravo TV, Zagat Guides, and the Food Network, CauseWorld has taken a different approach lining up sponsors such as Citi and Kraft. CauseWorld’s sponsors exchange karma points for cash and donate “real” money to a cause of the user’s choice. So far $250,000 has been donated on behalf of CauseWorld users.

Proctor and Gamble has partnered with CauseWorld to offer karma points if any one of 27 special product barcodes is scanned with the application.

With 300,000 downloads, CauseWorld has a substantial user base and the unique charity check-in angle may be just what the mobile space needs to go mainstream.

To learn more about CauseWorld and Shopkick, the company behind it, check out this article from TechCrunch.

Originally posted at Speaking of Social Media.