Comments on: Social Net Fundraising – All Hype? http://www.theagitator.net/communications/social-net-fundraising-all-hype/ Fundraising and advocacy strategies. Trends, tips ... with an edge Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:57:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: The New Connectedness | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits http://www.theagitator.net/communications/social-net-fundraising-all-hype/comment-page-1/#comment-5520 The New Connectedness | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:31:23 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1073#comment-5520 [...] Indisia: I think a few major points were left out of the analysis. ... [...] [...] Indisia: I think a few major points were left out of the analysis. … [...]

]]> By: Nonprofits have a hard time communicating — Niels Teunis http://www.theagitator.net/communications/social-net-fundraising-all-hype/comment-page-1/#comment-5503 Nonprofits have a hard time communicating — Niels Teunis Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:09:12 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1073#comment-5503 [...] is terrible news for those who are used to raise funds in a way that is proven to be effective. The Agitator writes about contradictory reports regarding the effectiveness of raising money on the [...] [...] is terrible news for those who are used to raise funds in a way that is proven to be effective. The Agitator writes about contradictory reports regarding the effectiveness of raising money on the [...]

]]> By: Indisia http://www.theagitator.net/communications/social-net-fundraising-all-hype/comment-page-1/#comment-5501 Indisia Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:02:13 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1073#comment-5501 I think a few major points were left out of the analysis. 1)Network for Good does not process transactions for 501c4 organizations and/or PACs, thus preventing them from using Causes as an integrated fundraising platform. As with many things on the web, advocates and activists are the early adopters, but Causes hasn't allowed them to engage with their preferred organizations monetarily. 2)"True" Facebook integration remains somewhat pricey and elusive for nonprofits. Full donor data is rarely collected & shared, and even apps that collect transactional info are not able to collect the interest or behavioral data (due to privacy rules) that organizations seek. It is still easier to provide a link to an external donation form than it is to build an integrated app. I think a few major points were left out of the analysis.

1)Network for Good does not process transactions for 501c4 organizations and/or PACs, thus preventing them from using Causes as an integrated fundraising platform. As with many things on the web, advocates and activists are the early adopters, but Causes hasn’t allowed them to engage with their preferred organizations monetarily.

2)”True” Facebook integration remains somewhat pricey and elusive for nonprofits. Full donor data is rarely collected & shared, and even apps that collect transactional info are not able to collect the interest or behavioral data (due to privacy rules) that organizations seek. It is still easier to provide a link to an external donation form than it is to build an integrated app.

]]> By: Rich Greif http://www.theagitator.net/communications/social-net-fundraising-all-hype/comment-page-1/#comment-5500 Rich Greif Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:08:52 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1073#comment-5500 I would agree that the short-term impact on fundraising has been moderate at best for most nonprofits, but the real strategy needs to be the development of long-term relationships. Everybody Wins USA has used social media successfully to build awareness, which has resulted in new partnerships and new board members. The results of those new relationships has brought in both significant hard-dollar donations and in-kind services. Like anything, social media has to be used as a tool to develop, enhance and engage relationships with new and current constituents. Rich Greif National Executive Director Everybody Wins! USA I would agree that the short-term impact on fundraising has been moderate at best for most nonprofits, but the real strategy needs to be the development of long-term relationships. Everybody Wins USA has used social media successfully to build awareness, which has resulted in new partnerships and new board members. The results of those new relationships has brought in both significant hard-dollar donations and in-kind services. Like anything, social media has to be used as a tool to develop, enhance and engage relationships with new and current constituents.

Rich Greif
National Executive Director
Everybody Wins! USA

]]> By: Dave http://www.theagitator.net/communications/social-net-fundraising-all-hype/comment-page-1/#comment-5499 Dave Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:57:08 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1073#comment-5499 Trying to tie donations directly to social networking is difficult, and for-profit enterprises face the same skepticism of ROI from social networking. Use social networking as an additional venue to engage the community and get followers to be aware of your organization. Donations will not necessarily directly flow from the online community, but establishing that relationship increases donors' awareness which should lead to support through traditional channels as well as online giving. Trying to tie donations directly to social networking is difficult, and for-profit enterprises face the same skepticism of ROI from social networking. Use social networking as an additional venue to engage the community and get followers to be aware of your organization. Donations will not necessarily directly flow from the online community, but establishing that relationship increases donors’ awareness which should lead to support through traditional channels as well as online giving.

]]>