Haiti Fund Raising – Lessons For ALL Types of NonProfits

The Network For Good has published some key trends they’ve learnt from the Haiti relief giving…info for all types of NonProfits.

About The Network For Good

This organisation, supported by several large American corporations, has created a secure, convenient, online donation system – so it’s like shopping online. It is apparently ‘simple and affordable for all NonProfits, of any size, to recruit donors and volunteers via the Internet’.

What Has Been Learnt From Haiti

“In the wake of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, donors relied on the Internet to channel funds quickly to first-responder organizations who mobilized after humanitarian disasters. Network for Good processed $5.3 million in donations to more than 140 U.S. public charities providing emergency response and rebuilding support to Haiti.

Whether your organization responds to natural disasters or not, the trends observed can apply to all types of nonprofits who want to boost their bottom lines and make the case for online fundraising:

1.
Major charities were represented, but smaller organizations raised significant funds. Online giving is not reserved just for the ‘big guys’ in the nonprofit sector – organizations with budgets of less than $1 million can raise significant funds, too!

2.
More places to give online during a crisis create big range in average gift size. Because online giving has spread out across organizations’ websites, social networks and even into the mobile space, you needn’t be surprised or disheartened if gifts coming through Causes on Facebook are much less than those through your website.

3.
Social media outlets activate immediate, far-reaching support. Charities with savvy social media strategies can instantly activate an engaged community of supporters through networks like Causes on Facebook (www.causes.com) and Razoo (www.razoo.com), blog posts and targeted email appeals when something timely arises.

4.
Groundswell of giving post-disaster ebbs after first week. This trend or observation reinforces the idea that nonprofits need to be ready with an online giving option in case they receive unexpected media coverage.

5.
Donors have specific expectations about how their gift makes a difference. While charities often seek flexibility in how to allocate donations, donors want to be reassured that their contributions will count toward what they care about most. Be sure that your organization’s online donation page gives the option for designations.”

Social media it seems IS here to stay AND is contributing…