The Web is proving to be one of the most effective outlets for
philanthropic efforts, according to a new study, "Towards
e-Engagement: How Nonprofits and Individuals Engage Online," by The
Kellogg Foundation; Network for Good, one of the Internet's largest
charitable sources; and The Bridgespan Group. More than 10,000
people responded to questions about their donating and volunteering
experiences. Among the major findings:
- 58% of the respondents use the Web to search for information,
volunteer, donate and sign petitions for causes or organizations
they want to support. - More than 50% took some additional action, either online or
offline, after visiting a nonprofit's Web site. - 60% stated that they either would not have taken further action
or were not sure they would have taken additional action had they
not visited the Web site. - Nearly half of all respondents had signed a petition
online. - Virtually all of the NPO (not-for-profit) respondents either
have a Web site or plan to launch one in 2003.
Although online charity is growing, it still represents a small
portion of overall giving: Just 10% polled had given via the
Internet and nonprofit respondents reported that 1 out of 4
volunteers recruited in 2002 had enlisted through their Web
sites.