Technology Funding and Fundraising Resources

The following information is drawn in part from archived content on the NPTalk discussion list. It is also available online, courtesy of The Foundation Center's Philanthropy News Digest December 21, 1999 edition [1]. In addition to the resources below, interested organizations should also examine the online resources available at Helping.org [2].

Online Fundraising
Resources for Fundraising Online [3]
Compiled by Putnam Barber, of the Internet Nonprofit Center, this comprehensive list includes annotated links to a wide range of online fundraising sites.

Nonprofit Charitable Orgs' Donate Online [4]
A list of online fundraising Web sites provided by Stan Hutton, the About.com guide for Nonprofit Charitable Orgs. Hutton's related list, Fundraising on the Web includes articles and relevant online resources for those interested in learning more about the subject.

Online Fundraising Resources Center [5]
Offers a sampling of chapters from the book Fundraising and Friend-Raising on the Web, with updates and a good set of successful Web site examples.

"How Can We Use the Internet for Fundraising?" [6]
Internet Nonprofit Center's comprehensive 1998 report by Eric Mercer designed to provide "an introduction and a classification scheme to help readers learn to effectively evaluate alternative methods of online fundraising."

National Federation of Nonprofits' "Nonprofits and the Internet" [7]
Provides links to several full-text reports covering online fundraising regulation and related issues.

Better Business Bureau's "Tips for Online Contributors" [8]
Brief common sense guidelines for online donors (and useful for charities interested in utilizing e-philanthropy sites). The Better Business Bureau also offers Charities on the Internet (http://www.bbb.org/reports/giveex1.html [9]), a brief article covering some of the online issues that are now being faced by charities and contributors.

Online Fundraising Mailing List [10]
The Gilbert Center's mailing list for online fundraising provides a learning environment for fundraisers at all levels of experience.

E-Philanthropy Sites

Helping.org [11]
This AOL-sponsored site is designed as a one-stop online resource to help people find volunteer and giving opportunities in their local communities and beyond. The site also provides online resources and tools to help nonprofits utilize the Internet in their strategic planning, recruiting, and fundraising.

Independent Charities of America [12]
A nonprofit organization that pre-screens and certifies the charities it presents to potential donors via Web-based giving, workplace giving programs, and other low-cost fundraising methods. Charities are reviewed and certified annually.

Fundraising with E-Commerce [13]
Practical guidance and advice to organizations seeking to incorporate e-commerce practices into their ongoing operations, and includes three short case studies of organizations that have adopted e-commerce. (Benton Foundation).

Recent Articles on E-Philanthropy Sites

Charities Online: E-giving Makes Donating Easy and Helps Groups Raise Money at Lower Costs" [14]
12/19/99 Special to the Seattle Times, Christy True

"Where Charity Begins Online" [15] 12/7/99 Wired News, Katie Dean

"I Gave at the Office Computer" [16]
and
"Not for Profit" [17] 11/29/99 Industry Standard, Sandra Stewart

"Hassle-Free Philanthropy" [18]
10/99 Business 2.0, Sean Donahue

"Online Do-Gooders" [19]
Industry Standard 10/4/99, Kathi Black

Funding for Nonprofit Technology

"Technology: Tech Funding: Elements of a Technology Plan" (http://www.pnnonline.org/technology/techfunding1124.cfm [20]) A two-part series on technology funding by Shane Tucker.

Digital Canvas [21]
The online magazine of Open Studio: The Arts Online, a project of the Benton Foundation, provides "Casting the Net — Creative Fundraising for Communications Technology," an overview of the funding landscape and fundraising advice and resources. The current issue also includes "Fundraising Strategies for Technology," a tip sheet for finding long-term support for technology programs.

Benton Foundation's Nonprofits & Communities [22]
Provides information to nonprofits and charities about useful technology updates and programs. The site offers a nonprofit toolkit, and useful links to related services, articles, and other organizations.

ERICA [23]
An awards program created by Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson designed to recognize the community building power of the Internet. The program seeks ideas from nonprofit organizations for technology applications that help nonprofits better manage their projects, deliver services, raise money, and communicate their messages.

Markle Foundation's Interactive Communications Tech [24]
The Markle Foundation offers grants to organizations doing research in the area of information technology and emerging communications media. The Markle Web site provides application details as well as information about the organization's current projects.

Rockefeller Technology Project [25]
The Technology Project seeks to accelerate social and political progress by building the technological capacity of nonprofit organizations. Site offerings include technology resources, publications, and links to related resources.

Community Connector [26]
A Web site for community-service organizations, funders, academics, and students who are using technology to improve their local communities. Offerings include news updates, research reports, articles, handbooks, an original journal, a directory of community networks, and links to relevant resources.