Ideas

• Rather than fundraising in solitude or in the dark, there are loads of "social fundraising" tools to let folks know exactly what has been contributed to a cause

Examples

• Platforms
  • PledgeBank: Geared toward conditional pledging (i.e. "I will do X, but only if N number of others will do the same") -- use this if there is a goal that *needs* a certain amount of money to happen, such as purchasing something -- good online and offline tools (Facebook application, email-a-friend tool, blog widgets, and downloadable flyers)
  • Fundable: Geared toward purchases -- money pledged toward a purchase is held in escrow until the goal is met; if the goal is not met, the money is returned
  • ChipIn: Geared toward any fundraising effort -- has great "thermometer" widgets that give a good visual of money raised
  • Changing the Present: Geared toward raising money or taking action on behalf of a nonprofit; uses Guidestar's directory to create list of eligible organizations; good social giving tool with a cool Facebook application