US causes turn to internet to boost charity fundraising

30/10/09

Written by Sally O'Connell.

Voluntary organisations based in the US are turning to computer technology to improve their charity fundraising potential.

According to CBS 2, St. Mary's Parish in Evanston, Illinois is hoping to get online after it noted a 70 per cent increase in demand for its services during the economic downturn.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Frank Banks has overseen the collection of hundreds of bags of jackets, jumpers and shirts as part of a clothing drive by using the power of online promotion.

Commenting on the effectiveness of modern technology to improve charity fundraising, philanthropic consultant Lisa Dietlan told the news source: 'Facebook and Twitter are revolutionising how we think about fundraising and who we reach.

'You can reconnect with friends on the other side of the world who would be motivated to support a charity or cause simply by you posting.'

Within four months, Banks has been able to bring in 500 bags of clothing by using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote the drive to friends, relatives and acquaintances online.

In related news, Twitter recently released its own brand of wine called Fledgling, which will be sold to raise money and awareness of charitable causes on its site.

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