Technology grants slated for Spokane | Spokesman.com | Dec 18, 2009

Technology grants slated for Spokane | Spokesman.com | Dec 18, 2009: "Administering the two grants here is the Spokane nonprofit Tincan, or The Inland Northwest Community Access Network. The grants will help all of Spokane’s city libraries and its four city-supported community centers upgrade their broadband connections, said Karen Michaelson, Tincan’s executive director. Also benefiting are seven area nonprofits, including Crosswalk, Volunteers of America and the YMCA and YWCA."

The 'Dark Side' of Online Charity Contests - Philanthropy.com

The 'Dark Side' of Online Charity Contests - Philanthropy.com: "The 'Dark Side' of Online Charity Contests

Beware the “dark side” of online contests for charitable dollars, says Kjerstin Erickson, a charity leader.

In recent years, the number of corporations offering contests, in which people vote online for their favorite charity to win money, has grown. Chase Manhattan Bank’s $5-million competition is perhaps the most recent example."

Despite Economy More Consumers Plan to Give Online in ‘09 than ‘08 - Press - AFP

Despite Economy More Consumers Plan to Give Online in ‘09 than ‘08 - Press - AFP: "Despite Economy More Consumers Plan to Give Online in ‘09 than ‘08

(Dec. 15, 2009) Convio Inc. estimates that U.S. online giving to nonprofit organization will be more than $4 billion during the holiday season of 2009 as increasing numbers of people donate to charities via the web.

More than 111 million say they plan to give via the Internet this year, up from 89 million a year ago, according to research commissioned by Convio."

Athens charity wins $25,000 in Facebook competition | ajc.com

Athens charity wins $25,000 in Facebook competition  | ajc.com: "An Athens-based organization raising money for muscular dystrophy research has been awarded $25,000 from the Chase Community Foundation as one of 100 charities chosen by Facebook users to receive grants."

Holiday Watch: Texting 'The Nutcracker' - Philanthropy.com

Holiday Watch: Texting 'The Nutcracker' - Philanthropy.com: "Holiday Watch: Texting 'The Nutcracker'

The Pennsylvania Ballet will soon ask patrons to turn on their cellphones — at least during intermission and after the show.

From December 26-31, audience members at performances of “The Nutcracker” will have the opportunity to participate in a live poll via text message. At intermission, they will be able to vote for their favorite character, and after the performance, they will be able to weigh in on their favorite scene."

Bmycharity donations in November almost double on previous year - Third Sector

Bmycharity donations in November almost double on previous year - Third Sector: "Fundraising website removed commission charges in October

Nearly twice as much money was donated to charity through fundraising website Bmycharity in November as in the same month last year.

More than £546,000 was donated through the site in November 2009, compared with £247,000 in the same month in 2008."

PHILANTHROPY 2173: New Research on Online Giving Marketplaces

Via Philanthropy 2173

PHILANTHROPY 2173: New Research on Online Giving Marketplaces: "I am delighted to share some new research - including a spreadsheet of data and an analytic memo - on online giving markets. The research was done by David Koken, a Coro fellow, while he was working at The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Let's get the caveats out of the way right up front, as the report and database state:"

Charity begins on the Internet now -- baltimoresun.com

Charity begins on the Internet now -- baltimoresun.com: "his holiday season, some of Maryland's oldest charities are reaching out to donors and volunteers, not only with the usual 'snail-mail' appeals and kettles on the corner, but with tweets on the Internet and clicks of the mouse.

Organizations such as the United Way, Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are using Facebook pages and Twitter accounts to reach younger volunteers and donors."

Yasamin Beitollahi: 'Tis the Season for Charitable Giving: 7 Extraordinary Nonprofits on Twitter

Yasamin Beitollahi: 'Tis the Season for Charitable Giving: 7 Extraordinary Nonprofits on Twitter: "We've already seen that Twitter is turning into a source of breaking news. But it's also clearly turning into a conversation tool and a way to 'humanize' an organization and not just hide behind a corporate shield. The age of social media has empowered amateur journalists, presidential candidates, and creative corporate marketers. Now, some say, it is time for nonprofit groups to harness the power of 140-character tweets to build a network of supporters, recruit volunteers, spread awareness and even raise money."

Site Diverts Shopping Money to Charities - NYTimes.com

Site Diverts Shopping Money to Charities - NYTimes.com: "A new Web site lets people donate to charity the money they would have spent on, say, that $44.50 Henley sweater from the Gap — or, better yet, the $250,000 his-and-hers ICON aircraft that Neiman Marcus is selling this year."

Virtual volunteering carries real benefits -- chicagotribune.com

Virtual volunteering carries real benefits -- chicagotribune.com: "Jeanine Handley, a graphic designer, volunteers without ever leaving her house by designing materials for a nonprofit legal aid organization. Amy Bogl uses Facebook parties to help an organization that shelters homeless teens win a fundraising contest. Molly Shah, a volunteer tutor, uses texting almost daily to motivate a student"