Imagine this:

A good friend tells you about a charity they recently discovered.  The organization’s mission is one that is close to your heart and captures your interest.  What do you do?

Most likely, you ask your friend, “What’s their website?” as you pull out your phone and begin typing the web address into your browser, or you start tracking down their account on your favorite social media platform.

After a few minutes (or maybe even seconds) of reading about the work of the organization and the difference they are making in the world, you are moved to take action.

What is that action?

Do you pull out your checkbook?

Do you call the organization’s office?

Or do you click on a “Volunteer Today” or “Donate Now” button?

Technology--especially the internet--has made a tremendous impact on philanthropy.  Just look at this list of conveniences. How do they compare to ways you (or your parents) used to get involved in charity work?

10 Simple but Powerful Ways Technology Has Impacted Philanthropy

1. Rather than writing a check, putting it in an envelope and dropping it in the mail, now you can make a donation in a matter of seconds by clicking a button on your phone or filling out a form on your computer.

2. You can even give by text message--much different from the TV phone-a-thons that used to be on every channel!

3. Once you’ve given, with another click of a button, you can let friends and colleagues know that you’ve made a donation by posting about it on social media.

4. You can harness the power of social media by hosting an online fundraiser for your favorite charity (often referred to as crowdfunding).

5. If you’d rather make an anonymous donation, nonprofit organizations have ways for you to give online without publishing your name.

6. Virtual events--which have become the new norm since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic--make it possible for you to engage with the causes you are passionate about, even if they aren’t nearby.

7. Accessing information about an organization on your mobile device turns you into an ambassador: You can share about the charities you are passionate about anywhere, any time, with nearly anyone.

8. If you’re unfamiliar with an organization, it doesn’t take long to do a little research on websites like candid.org to learn more about their mission, find out if you are acquainted any board members or staff, and even read the organization’s tax returns to know where their money is coming from and how it is being stewarded.

9. Unsure if a charity is legitimate? You can search for its financial data on the IRS website.

10. You can engage with the causes you believe in any time, all over the world.

Internet technology has also improved the way nonprofits themselves can operate:

1. The internet has brought increased nonprofit transparency and accountability.  No longer do organizations need to rely on mailing Annual Reports to their constituents: All of their accomplishments, activities, and financial health data can (and should be) readily available and searchable on their website.  

2. Websites are becoming easier and easier to build and use, which translates to clearer communication with supporters and individuals served.

3. Nonprofit organizations can collaborate with volunteers and like-minded organizations in other parts of the world, thanks to the efficiency of communication platforms like email and video conferencing.  (Virtual volunteering is a great way to be involved with an organization you love, no matter where you live--see this blog post for virtual volunteer opportunities.)

4. By making use of technology, organizations can engage younger supporters.  In fact, almost half of Millennials “say changes in technology have affected their giving.”

5. For organizations like the Who Is Carter Foundation, we are able to harness the power of the internet to provide support to families across the globe through the resources available on The Brain Possible website and The Brain Possible Podcast.  What a powerful privilege it is to break down barriers of location, time, and travel to reach families who need these resources most!

Every individual--and every nonprofit organization--makes use of technology differently.  Regardless of how you use technology to be involved with the charities you care about, what’s important is that you are making a difference in the world, and the charities you are involved with can keep in touch with you--sharing the impact of the contributions you make.  At the Who Is Carter Foundation, we are keenly aware of the powerful ways technology opens up opportunities for the children and families we serve.  We are also aware--and incredibly thankful--that technology is what keeps you, our wonderful supporters, involved in this important work.

*Fidelity Charitable, The Future of Philanthropy: Where individual giving is going