Digital and the Non-profits
March 5th, 2010 | Published in Trends | 7 Comments
Last year when Typhoon Ondoy struck the Philippines, something special happened in the social network sphere. Facebook, Twitter and Youtube came alive with updates from people in locations affected by floods brought about by Ondoy. Social networks were used to organize volunteers to source, pack, and deliver relief goods to flood victims. In real time, Internet users would know which relief centers needed supplies or volunteers which enabled them to quickly contribute to the relief efforts.
The Internet was used not only as an information hub, but also as a tool for soliciting donations. One of my companies, MyAyala.com, worked with several local websites to promote an Ayala Foundation donation page for Ondoy Victims. The Red Cross as well created a donation page of their own to raise money for their own relief efforts. Bloggers, major international sites such as Yahoo, local web brands, and social network users promoted these pages free of charge because they wanted to help their fellow countrymen.
Moving forward, digital platforms will play an increasingly large role in the fund raising efforts of non-profits. The Internet’s ability to simultaneously deliver breaking news, captivate people with a developing story told in words, pictures, and video, and provide a payment facility where an interested audience can become participants makes it the natural charity enabler of the future.
Below are some sample online ads leading to the Ayala Foundation Ondoy donation page. A few million pesos was raised via the help of these online partners.
Link from Yahoo to myayala.com/ondoy
Banner ad on Yugatech
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Twit from Bianca Gonzalez to Ondoy page
JobsDB banner ad to Ondoy
Pep double banner ads to Ondoy
Philstar double banner ads to Ondoy
March 5th, 2010 at 2:54 pm (#)
Hey Nix!
Yup, not just fund raising but getting people’s hearts and minds from the awareness stage to taking responsibility stage. It gives people concrete opportunities to help and contribute. The internet has been an incredible tool.
We can go beyond reacting to climate change and shift to preparting for it.
On a personal note, I’d like to introduce as many entreprenueurs as possible to a project we’re working on at the National Geographic Channel. It’s called “Desgin Against the Elements” and it’s geared to prepare our communities and be more ready for the effects of Climate Change. You guys can find out more at http://www.designagainsttheelements.org.
I totally agree that it’s a whole new world with the internet and the nonprofits. (Actually even the “profits” hehe)
Peace.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:08 pm (#)
I completely agree. The digital world is changing how we live our lives and this includes how we help others. This wasn’t only felt during Typhoon Ondoy but it’s constantly being felt now with the Haiti and Chile earthquakes. Within a matter of hours, the digital world spread the word about these disasters and help came pouring in. It’s really bringing our world closer together. It will continue in the future.
This begs me to ask the question, how can I get your companies to help my non-profit get the word out and help us raise funds?
March 5th, 2010 at 3:21 pm (#)
Hi Jude, I like the project. Let’s schedule that blogger event so that you and Ilac can discuss this initiative with the prominent local bloggers.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:35 pm (#)
Hi Juan,
Your non-profit is a bit niched. http://www.psod.org.ph is the domain right? Let’s chat on YM to see what ideas we can come up with to help you.
Nix
March 11th, 2010 at 2:40 am (#)
It is useful to try everything in practice anyway and I like that here it’s always possible to find something new.
March 13th, 2010 at 7:57 pm (#)
I read about it some days ago in another blog and the main things that you mention here are very similar
April 24th, 2010 at 8:18 am (#)
Hi Jimmboi – Which blog did you find this entry in? I’m pretty sure mine is the original. Not too many owners of MyAyala.com out there. =)