Google+ Now Open For Business For Nonprofits

When Google+, the search engine giant's venture into the social networking world, launched earlier this Summer, nonprofits might have had two reactions:

"Oh great, another social networking site.  Just what we needed."

OR

"Another social networking site?  Great!  That's just what we needed!"

There was only one problem: Google+ only allowed users to make pages for themselves, not for businesses.  So if a nonprofit was hoping to use it to further promote their services, it seemed they were out of luck.

That all changed on Monday when Google announced it would allow users to make pages for their business or organization.  Known as Google+ Pages, it will allow nonprofits to have yet another presence in the growing world of social media.  Yet for all those that are excited about this, there are those that might be more skeptical.  Does your nonprofit really need another social networking page?

The NonProfit Times doesn't have a Google+ page, so we can't say with certainty whether it's necessary.  But from reading Google's blog post on the subject, it does seem to have some handy features.  For example, people interested in your organization can add a "+" before the name of your nonprofit in a Google search.  This will instantly connect them to your Google+ page. 

Interactivity is another selling point.  There's a feature called Google+ Hangouts, which allows users to interact with you via video.  I can see this as a great way for a nonprofit to have a discussions with supporters.  If you are interested in seeing how this feature works, you can check out a recent hangout that happened on the Google+ page for The Muppets Movie.  It should give you a good idea of what you can do with it (and it's kind of funny to watch).

So should your nonprofit create a Google+ page?  That's up to you ultimately, but it does seem like it offers some features that at least make it worthwhile to try.  Besides, there's no harm in having more of a presence online.

A Convio survey sheds light on fundraising statistics

If you are interested to know what fund-raising figures look like for the year ahead, and what sorts of channels will be utilized in making donations, then you will definitely find this video to be informative. A new survey has recently been conducted by Convio that sheds light on what sorts of figures can be expected in the future, and what channels Americans will be making use of as it relates to their charitable contributions. According to the survey, approximately $48 billion will be donated in the year ahead across the full spectrum of donation channels including direct mail, online contributions and checkout counters at a variety of retail stores.

The positive impact of the nonprofit sector on the economy
According to a statement released by the president of the Association of fundraising professionals, these donation figures paint a pretty positive picture. Each year the nonprofit sector contributes 5% of GDP, and also provides employment for 10% of the American workforce. Fundraising initiatives, particularly the giving season at the end of the year, are incredibly important for ensuring the stability and success of the various organizations that comprise the nonprofit sector. The positive impact that the nonprofit sector has on the national economy as a whole can barely be overstated.

How and how much Americans are giving
The survey found that an average of $281 could be expected to be spread across two or more charitable organizations. Some of the primary giving channels include direct mail, as well as social networking infrastructures. As much as $6 billion is expected to be donated over the Internet. This figure represents a boost of 30% over the identical period in 2009. For those who are curious about what the fundraising landscape might look like over the coming year, this video sure to provide some useful information and insight.

Celebrities join the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS

The singer Alicia Keys has created a project aimed at supporting families in Africa and India which have been affected by HIV and AIDS. She's called it “Keep A Child Alive”. This video highlights some of the innovative steps that celebrities are taking to lend their support to creating awareness about this worldwide health dilemma. Some of the names that have joined forces with Keys in this endeavor are Serena Williams, Lady Gaga and Usher.

Avoiding social networking for a day
A number of celebrities are committed to staying away from social media devices and applications for a day in a move aimed at fundraising in aid of the AIDS awareness initiative that Alicia Keys has created. Other names that have lent their support to the event are Elijah Wood, Justin Timberlake and Kim Kardashian, to name a few. Each of the celebrities in question have committed to raising one million dollars each in aid of HIV and AIDS research, and in tangibly bettering the lives of those who suffer from this illness. It is an online marketing strategy that is sure to bring in a huge amount of support for this worthy cause.

Making a bold statement
As part of their efforts to encourage charitable donations on the part of their fans, each celebrity has created what has been dubbed a Last Tweet and Testament video which will be used in ads in which they can be seen stretched out in a coffin. This striking move is sure to grab the attention of millions of fans around the world, and hopefully inspire a huge amount of donations. Alicia Key has stated that it's important to utilize the power of social media tools in raising awareness about this important issue. This is certainly a video worth watching if you are in any way interested in playing a part in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Go Techno or Bust

After his successful presidential bid, Barack Obama still has $30 million left over. During his presidential campaign, Obama raised an unprecedented $745 million, $104 million of which came in the last five weeks immediately before and after Election Day.

Obama’s outspoken desire to change the way politicians raise money through special interest groups - opting instead to raise money on his own and not participate in the public funding system - fueled his record-breaking fundraising. Close to half of the funds raised were by private donations. What was the key to his success? The internet and Obama’s use of technology stand out as the single key factor in his successful fundraising.

Among the technical tools used were the following:

• Individual Fundraising - An easy web experience employing the tactic of keeping the donor on the fundraising web site throughout the entire contribution process, from initiation through authorization.
• Online Advocacy - These tools put users in a position to get information in the hands of policy makers. The idea is that when constituents participate - i.e. write their legislators reach out to news editors and opinion leaders, sign petitions - you get results.
• Outbound Email - There are many rules governing spam and there is software that can handle outbound email more effectively. With the proper emailing tools, you can stay in touch, raise money, and mobilize action - whether you have a thousand constituents or ten million.
• Social Networking - The power of social networking is extraordinary. These tools give your constituents a voice and ideas can be freely exchanged.
• Content Management - The ability to locate, reuse, repurpose and capture content is supremely important to a successful online experience. The tools are ever more sophisticated, but are also becoming essential.

It is clear that a new day has dawned with regard to fundraising. Fundraisers will not be able to compete for those important donor dollars without a technology plan for the future. What are your thoughts?