Here's the thing about Web 2. 0 and social media tools: it may all seem like a bunch of hype, but when foundations begin championing the cause, you have to start paying attention.
Today, PARADE magazine and the Case Foundation announced America's Giving Challenge: Get your supporters to install and promote a charity badge for your organization, and you could get $50,000. From the press release:
The program aims to show how anyone and everyone can have greater impact in their community and bring more support to the charities and causes they care about. Participants can choose to use a simple and fun Web 2.0 tool called a “charity badge” to promote their cause and help their charity get $50,000. Or they can simply give to a cause to help it qualify for a $1,000 award. The America’s Giving Challenge runs from 3:00 p.m. EST on December 13, 2007 through 3:00 p.m. EST on January 31, 2008...To sign up for America’s Giving Challenge, beginning 3:00 p.m. EST, December 13, 2007, simply visit www.Parade.com/givingchallenge.
The partners in the program are Network for Good and Global Giving.
If you're thinking about signing up for the contest, you may want to do a little studying to get a leg up on the competition! Here are a few resources from NTEN members you should check out:
- Beth's Blog: Lessons Learned About Social Networks and Fundraising from Cambodia Campaign on ChipIn
- NetSquared: Use Web2.0 Tools to Raise Money for Your Organization
- NTEN Webinar: Group Fundraising 101
- NTEN Webinar: What Kevin Bacon Knows about Web 2.0 (with Kevin Bacon!)
Have resource on social fundraising you think other should know about? Tell us in the comments!