For the first time in 23 years, Pepsi won't promote itself during the Super Bowl. Instead, it will focus on so-called cause marketing.
Pepsi wants the public to suggest projects that can improve communities. It launched the Refresh Everything site to gather grant suggestions and take votes. Pepsi will give away millions per month to winning projects.
Pepsi's undertaking is just one example of how the Internet can be used to raise money. Let's look at some ways ordinary folks and nonprofits are getting goods or cash. You'll find links to sites mentioned at www.komando.com/news .
Fundraising for individuals
You can raise money through donations for reasons that aren't strictly charitable. For example, maybe you're a social worker who needs a new laptop. Or, maybe you need cash for a van that will take your band touring around the country. The sites to help are as varied as the projects seeking donations.
DonorsChoose, for example, is aimed specifically at teachers. Teachers can request supplies for a specific project or extracurricular activity. Once the goal is met, the site delivers the materials directly to the teacher's school.
Kickstarter is a site that lets you post various types of personal projects. Post your project and specify how much you'd like to raise. You must also specify a time limit up to 90 days.
There is a wide range of projects on Kickstarter. Some are looking for money to write a book or publish a CD. Others are looking to fund movie projects, startup companies or fashion trends. For example, one user is seeking $14,000 to build an electric car and write a manual on it.
Kickstarter takes 5 percent of donations on successful projects. Amazon, which processes Kickstarter donations, also charges up to 5 percent.
Fundraising for nonprofits
A growing number of sites help nonprofit organizations raise awareness and funds. Many of these services require that the nonprofit be listed with GuideStar. GuideStar provides financial and other information on nonprofits. It is free for nonprofits to register with GuideStar.
If you're just getting your nonprofit started, Good2gether lets nonprofits create their own Web page. Nonprofits can sell up to six sponsorships on a page. The minimum price for a sponsorship is $100. Good2gether gets a 35 percent cut.
JustGive is for nonprofits that already have a site. It makes it easier for visitors to donate to an organization.
You get a Donate Now button to put on your organization's site. JustGive processes transactions and provides tax receipts to donors. It even handles recurring billing. There's no charge to get going with JustGive, but it does take 3 percent of donations.
Network for Good also helps nonprofits raise money. It provides a DonateNow link for nonprofit sites. It processes donations and provides tax forms. The Basic DonateNow service is free. A 4.75 percent processing cost applies to donations.
The Custom DonateNow service adds extra features like a customized donation form. There's a $200 setup fee and a $30 monthly fee. Processing fees are 3 percent.
Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gannett.com .
