Network for Good turns ten this week, and we decided to do two things for our anniversary. The first is to thank everyone who has made it possible for us to raise nearly $600 million for 60,000 charities, including Jean and Steve Case, who have been pioneers in the online philanthropic space. Years ago, Steve asked, “Is it as easy to give online as it is to shop online?” The answer was no, and he set out to change that first through helping.org and its next incarnation, networkforgood.org. A decade later, technology has truly become a force for good. Thanks to them and to you for all you do to unleash generosity. So what exactly has happened in the past ten years in online giving? We decided to answer that question with our second anniversary initiative – an infographic. Here are three things we’ve learned, as reflected in this image:
1. One of the most powerful aspects of technology is it allows people to act on their generous impulses instantly. You can see the incredible effect of this phenomenon the wake of disasters, when people increasingly turn to their laptops and phones to make a difference.
2. Giving has truly gone mainstream. Ten years ago, a select few people gave big gifts online. Now the majority of people donate. Gift sizes are dropping in reflection of this trend – which is a positive one. It means the public at large is using technology for good.
3. Giving is social. Philanthropy has always been a social act, but technology makes it far more so. Ten years ago, there was no Facebook or Twitter. Today, social media massively amplifies word of mouth and makes all of us champions and fundraisers of good causes. We’re all forces of good.
Thanks for helping drive these great developments – and here’s to 10 more years of good!
Katya Andresen is the Chief Strategy Officer for Network for Good.
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Jean Case at the 2013 Yale Philanthropy Conference
