NGOs using mobile to make a difference

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | Adam Behsudi
in

Ushahidi on a mobile phone: By Flickr user whiteafricanUshahidi on a mobile phone: By Flickr user whiteafricanWith a push of the "send" button, millions of Americans, many for the first time, used their cell phones and mobile networks to make a direct impact by donating $10 to the Red Cross for earthquake relief in Haiti. But this concept is not new and many nonprofits around the world have been leveraging the power of mobile networks and devices to organize campaigns and efforts on all scales.

Related Story: Digital giving: New Technology Transforms How People Donate

From Gen Y to Matures: How different generations donate

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | Laura Greenback

With an eye on the national stage, local organizations are branching out of direct mail marketing and making adjustments to their donation pitches to reach different generations.

From text message donations to phone banks, today's nonprofits are considering more channels of communication than ever. A new study released in March showed how different age groups prefer to give.

The study, called The Next Generation of American Giving, proves it’s not just 20-somethings who experiment with different donation styles — 31 percent of Boomers donate online, 13 percent of Gen Xers use mobile or text donating and 25 percent of Matures (people ages 65 and older) donate over the phone.

Consider overhead costs when giving to nonprofits

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | Stephen Weigand
in

Americans were asked to dip into their wallets to provide help in Haiti, Argentina and China. But where is that money really going?

Giving Circles: A new trend in philanthropy

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | Lottie L. Joiner
in

Members of the Global Sojourns delivered comfort dolls to hospitals and shelters in Africa: Photo courtesy of Priscilla MacyMembers of the Global Sojourns delivered comfort dolls to hospitals and shelters in Africa: Photo courtesy of Priscilla Macy

A giving circle is a unique way for busy professionals to be charitable and make an impact in their community, even in times of economic hardships.

Bank campaign contributions continue ahead of reform, election

Friday, April 30, 2010 | Cameron Nordholm
in

Commercial bank donationsCommercial bank donationsGiving to Democrats by commercial banks appears to remain steady in the 2010 election season in the face of proposed finance legislation.

Giving through group buying

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | Jackie Turner
in

Major discounts to businesses promoting sustainable living and giving to charities are among the key offerings of a new group buying website, DealsforDeeds.com. 

Volunteer coordinators: the people behind the curtain

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | Laura Rush
in

ReStore Manager Colin Campbell works with volunteer Marvin Cruz: Photo by Laura RushReStore Manager Colin Campbell works with volunteer Marvin Cruz: Photo by Laura Rush

In a semi-hidden warehouse space at the back end of a strip mall in Alexandria, Va., stuffed with used refrigerators, cabinets, sinks, and countless other random household goods, Colin Campbell surveys the faces of the people sitting at the conference room table in front of him and launches into his orientation speech. 

Girls On Beer: Beer trade!

Saturday, May 1, 2010
in

by Melanie Kramerby Melanie KramerSince this is our last week writing Girls on Beer for the Observer, we decided to have a little fun and trade some bottles of beer.