Obstacles to internet fundraising

Brussels, 5 June. The participants of the internet fundraising workshop by Steve Bridger saw, despite its advantages, certain barriers to the use of the Internet for effective fundraising:

• National cultures
• Skepticism: Do social network tools increase competition and take away jobs from existing development organizations?
• Lack of knowledge and skills
• Distrust in the tools themselves: Does it not undermine credibility and integrity of our own organizations?
• Lack of face-to-face interaction

So, does internet fundraising potentially undermine the integrity and credibility of a development organisation due to public distrust and a lack of accountabiliy?

"It is a potential risk. The donors do not know for sure who is behind the online campaign. A good communication on your own website can solve some problems." (Damir Gojkov, 11.11.11)

"Your donors are starting blogging about your organization. Your volunteers are starting blogging about your NGO. They want to participate; they want to start the conversation. So it's time to start blogging too and create your own online strategy” (Paolo, Terres des Hommes Italy)

"It's risky because there's no dialogue. Internet does not provide the opportunity of face-to-face dialogue. It is just chancing and you are not sure if the funds will be used for the purposes for which it is asked for. People could post pictures and projects of themselves on the websites, but if it is not from validated sources or organizations, you cannot know the truth. Therefore, you cannot follow up." (Rosemary Wanjala, IHEYO)

Check out Steve's blog posting on this session

Story by Birthe Paul