Last Monday, November 2nd, GiveMN.org officially launched their website. GiveMN is a free, online website that connects nonprofits and donors. This is a major initiative for the Minnesota nonprofit community. There are many major local funders and partners involved with GiveMN (http://givemn.razoo.com/p/partners_and_funders).
Living in the Land of 10,000 Nonprofits, it is no surprise that our nonprofit community is striving to be a leader in the latest trend of online giving. The online giving community continues to grow and evolve. A few online giving trends cited by GiveMN include
• Online giving grew from $250 M in 2000 to $4.5 B in 2005
• Online givers are younger (median age 38)
• Average online gift is $79 versus $52 offline
• Online givers are using technology to share their passions online
• Even wealthy donors are using technology more and more for their giving
Based upon these trends, the new giving model according to GiveMN is
1. Donors search for nonprofits that match their interests
2. Using GiveMN, they find nonprofits and follow them online
3. An interactive online connection is made and helps donors and nonprofits stay connected.
From a donor perspective, I can only speak for myself. I have never searched online looking for a nonprofit to donate to. I am introduced to nonprofits by friends and family OR I ask my friends and family what nonprofits they would recommend. Am I unique? How do others learn about nonprofits?
I also serve on the Board of a non-profit (www.bridging.org). I believe GiveMN will definitely be part of nonprofits’ development plans. It provides a simple and cost effective way to not only get your story out to a broader audience, but it allows your donors an easy way to donate and stay connected to your organization.
The GiveMN concept reminds me of social media. Companies are trying to figure out how to effectively make use of the ever growing online community. There is no simple formula to follow. Nonprofits are trying to create a stronger presence with the online community. There is no simple formula to follow. In my opinion, it is still all about relationships. People need to genuinely know you, like you and trust you. If you use the online tools to help your business or your nonprofit accomplish this, the online community will help you be successful.
What do you think about GiveMN? Is it going to change the fundraising and giving landscape? Are you planning to participate?
I think that GiveMN is another tool in the nonprofit toolbox to help spread the message and garner support for Minnesota’s nonprofit organizations. The value add that the GiveMN partners are providing is a subsidy so that all of the transactional costs are paid for, allowing ALL of the donor’s gift to go directly to the supported organization. GiveMN also allows an easy portal for organizations that lack the organizational capacity to create an online giving environment.
Is it the end all, be all? I don’t think so. Nothing takes the place of meeting organizational staff, volunteering, and meeting other involved individuals to learn more about an organization and its mission…..and how effective they are.
Is it a convenient way to give? You bet.
I wish GiveMN success! I’m a member.
I do use the internet to find out about non profits and have used online donations. I met a person while living in the south whose son does Relay and it was dang convenient and I knew it was going directly there. No lost checks in the mail etc.
I will also look them up to find out how legit they are. Amazing how many there are where most goes to admin and less than half to the cause. Also I live in suburbia and volunteer time. Especially when unemployed. So will look up what they need and if a location near me.
It is the future. After all lets be honest. You read a web site, look at pictures etc. and you feel you want to help. You donate. Or you read a piece of paper while going through the mail, set it aside while going through the rest of the mail, do you go back or does it get lost?
Most people have caught on to online payments, trust it and love using it. While your at it, save a tree or two.