Writing a grant is often an arduous process that can take weeks or even months to complete. And, while institutional, governmental and/or United Way grants may provide the foundation for your nonprofit’s budget, it’s important to not overlook emerging technology that can help you reach new donors and secure what are known as “microgrants.” These innovative funding platforms are being developed to help nonprofits engage existing individual and corporate donors, as well as acquire new ones. (Note: some of these platforms are better than others, so please read the fine print before you apply.)
Recent trends indicate that donors are increasingly giving to the causes that matter most to them, regardless of where they personally live or have given previously. That’s good news for nonprofits that already have a global reach, but may require smaller, regionally-focused organizations to gen up their online presence. Microphilanthropy-focused online platforms can give even small nonprofits the opportunity to reach out to potential supporters from around the world without requiring much front-end investment.
Below, we’ve listed a few well-established “microgift” sources that could add up to significant support. Moreover, their funding applications can be filled out in five minutes or less (see links below), so your to-do checklist could look pretty impressive by this afternoon….
AmazonSmile
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to charitable organizations selected by their customers. Public charitable organizations that are registered and in good standing with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) are eligible to participate.
iGive
iGive has created partnerships with thousands of retailers and shoppers to contribute a percentage of purchase prices to participating nonprofits. Each member who selects your charity will send an average of $100 per year your way.
tinyGive
tinyGive is a microphilanthropy platform that helps people learn about and support diverse nonprofits from around the globe. Donors can Tweet you a gift of any amount and spread the word about your mission in a matter of seconds.
For more on microphilanthropy, including a complete list of resources, please click here.
Have you engaged a microphilanthropy platform to help meet your organization’s goals? Please share your story, and any tips you have for other nonprofits, in the comments section below or give us a shout and submit a blog topic here.
