Online giving and other aspects of ePhilanthropy have been hot topics for the past few years. More nonprofit organizations have implemented online programs into their existing repertoire to raise additional funds and to build successful donor relationships. In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, several large nonprofits have received media coverage regarding the volume of donations they received online. The United States Fund for UNICEF has reported that over 50% of the donations it received in the first three weeks of the disaster were contributed online ($30 million of the $50 million donated). Tsunami giving online has already outpaced all online giving in response to 9/11.

We have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of destruction and suffering caused by the Tsunami. At the same time, the response of the world community, especially the volume of individual donations, has been heartening. The Internet has played a substantial role in facilitating the fast and secure transfer of these donations. Individuals have been able to conveniently contribute dollars and recipient organizations have been able to access and mobilize the funds quickly. The real beneficiaries are the survivors, who have received more aid more quickly as a result.

ePhilanthropy provides benefits for nonprofits regardless of size:

• Cost-effective method to collect needed funds
• The ability to "turn on" an appeal almost instantaneously
• Fast access to funds
• Flexible reporting

For donors, the advantages are clear as well:

• Convenience, ease of use and security
• Peace of mind in knowing that the donation has been received
• Immediate acknowledgement and receipt of the transaction

In addition to offering online giving, nonprofits can collect information and process payments for fundraising events, classes, seminars, membership and tuition. To learn more about ways that your organization can leverage the benefits of ePhilanthropy, please request our 10 Simple Steps to Online Fundraising.