The world revolves around the Internet.  We send emails instead of cards, book flights in minutes and order food to be delivered to our front door.  We enjoy the ease of never having to leave our seat in front of the computer.  It’s no wonder online fundraising and donations have become so popular. 

Convio, Sea Change Strategies and Edge Research today released results of a national research study that dug into the online behaviors and attitudes of  donors.  It seems that Americans are more and more willing than ever to seek out organizations and donate to that organization all online. In fact, 51 percent of those surveyed said they prefer giving online and 46 percent said that five years from now they will be making a greater portion of their charitable gifts online.  72 percent of those surveyed said they donated online, rather than in the traditional sense, out of efficiency and in order to help organizations cut down on administrative costs. We applaud the interest in making it easier for both parties and the fact that they are taking into account those administrative costs. But does this mean they’re thoroughly checking out the organization before giving? We hope so.

Viral fundraising is taking the sector by storm and will continue to influence donors and publicize nonprofit needs. With the increased role social networking – profiles and groups on Facebook and MySpace, as well as blogs in the sector are making, are we really surprised more donors are contributing online?  

The question we must ask ourselves is, is easier better? Will leaving out the personal relationships between donors and organizations be detrimental in the long run?  How can we be sure accountability is still being taken into account?  As the world lurches forward, let’s not forget to keep an eye on the small things that can make a big difference. 

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