Everything we know about fundraising is pants

Howard Lake | 13 January 2008 | Blogs

About: Having seen so many comical attempts at fundraising over the years I intend to use this blog to question anything dubious that crosses my path – starting with 2.0. You can, of course, also find me on www.ifc.tc
Yes, web 2.0 is the way to go, reaching beyond the wealthy baby-boomers to the next age cohort; but what about charity 2.0? Where has the physical inter-activity between supporters and their charity gone?
As a consultant, I visit many organisations and whilst some are moving towards an acceptance that their websites would be improved with more interaction, most could benefit far more from such improvements as simply welcoming physical visits from donors on ‘open days’ etc. with time to spend with the CEO etc., plus plenty of feedback on their experiences. Look at www.torturecare.org.uk for their Supporters Reception.
Before your wiki is set up, I would suggest that the knowledge base is shared in other ways and that interaction carefully monitored; before an interesting but useless monstrosity is created. Several organisations do this well including www.healthlink.org.uk.
Before your widget wings its way onto their desktops I would consider if you have given them the choice of paper, phone or person. Now the age cohorts are clearly defined we would be foolish to ignore the bulk of our wealthy supporters in our drive to the cutting edge.
Am I so wrong?

About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale. He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.