Press
For Immediate Release
Kyle Dick kyle@iaccorp.com 800-968-6004 ext. 211
- March 2006
Annual Giving Professionals Join Forces
to develop Internet Giving Strategy
Study identifies 90 percent of annual giving websites as brochure ware
According to Don Philabaum President & CEO of IAC and author of, “ Your contributors are ready to give online. It's time to get ready for them! , the typical annual giving website provides information on how to give, but fails to engage or involve contributors, volunteers and students.
The study suggests that non profits have rapidly adopted Internet technology to reach contributors. On the other hand, annual giving programs have failed to adopt technology and as a result will not only fail to meet contributors' expectations, but they could also face declining participation, contributions and higher acquisition costs.
The study sites facts, stats and evidence why annual giving professionals should be adopting an annual giving Internet strategy that allows contributors to become more involved in the giving process.
The goal is to make giving fun & provide contributors an interactive giving experience.
IAC's research also showed annual giving professionals are interested in more than then the latest technology. Those interviewed indicated they needed training and guidance on how to develop an annual giving Internet strategy.
“We quickly recognized that in addition to providing our clients an Internet Giving Portal , that provides contributors an interactive giving experience, we needed to provide the consulting to help them build an Internet strategy. We created the Interactive Giving Group (IGGY) as a way to bring together the best minds in the industry to share ideas and help everyone build their own unique Internet strategy. Not only is it less expensive for our customers, they get world class ideas from their peers.” Philabaum said.
Members of the Interactive Giving Group participate in their own online community where they share ideas, best practices and post examples of marketing materials. “Our members are not interested in reinventing the wheel” said Philabaum. Members of the IGGY can attend the 3 Internet giving webinars each year. The webinars feature industry experts, reports by subcommittees presenting research and the results of testing of concepts. The program is supported by client membership & tuition payments.
Members of IGGY also receive a no cost, high tech Internet Giving Portal with over 10 interactive, community building tools. Contributors are encouraged to visit the site, update why they gave, view a list of others who have given, leave comments for student callers, view news and information about the campaign, view the giving thermometer, participate in an opinion polls, post photos from their days on campus, challenge their classmates and more.
“Diana Schumacher, Executive VP of Client Relations Consulting, “Annual giving has been a one way street, a one way experience in the past. In today's experience economy, contributors are a savvy group and are expecting something in return for their contribution. An Internet Giving Portal provides them the after contribution experience and connects them with their gift in many ways. “
Organizations who are interested in learning more can register for an introduction online webinar at www.iachub.com
Blog collects and shares online community
ePhilanthrophy Best Practices
Individuals who are charged with the responsibility of developing their college or non- profit Internet strategies will benefit from proven ideas and concepts of their peers at a new industry specific blog. Wiredcommunities.com launched today to provide administrators a place to share ideas that have worked for them and to gain advice and suggestions on how they can improve on an idea that hasn't worked yet.
The blog is designed to foster two way communications. For example, when a post is made about how a college has successfully used the Internet to increase annual giving, others can post their comments, ideas and suggestions. This two way communication on ideas and concepts will foster an environment where the collective wisdom of many continually improve on ideas and concepts.
“We created Wiredcommunities.com because our Webinars were attracting upwards to 300 individuals interested in learning about online community & ePhilanthrophy Best Practices. Even though the Internet has been available to the collegiate and non-profit industry for a decade, there appeared to be a real hunger for learning what works and what doesn't work.” Don Philabaum, President & CEO, IAC.
Gray Mounger, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations at California State Northridge stated, “My job description doesn't include anything about creating our web strategy, but my staff and I have found, that in order to remain relevant to our alumni, we have to figure out what Internet tools and services they want and then deliver it to them. Wiredcommunities.com is a great place to stop in and walk away with many great ideas that worked for others.”
Don Philabaum, creator of the site, “A blog seemed to be the perfect Internet tool to encourage industry professionals to share successful ideas, along with ideas that didn't work. We fully expect the ideas that have not worked (YET) will get as much attention as those that did, because our audience includes loads of smart, creative people who are leading their organizations Internet strategy:
Stephen DeGesseppi, Alumni Director Millersville University , “Like most organizations we have to make sure every dollar we spend is not wasted. With 8 different projects going at the same time, I don't have the luxury of doing something wrong. If I'm thinking of implementing a new web strategy, Wiredcommunities becomes a good reference point.”
