I'm following new UK-based charity Child's i Foundation with interest. They are intentionally using Web 2.0 tools to build up an international network of supporters, and are holding back from fundraising appeals at this point. The current site is a free Wordpress blog, but they'll be launching their own site in the New Year.
They've made some impressive contacts already, including being the beneficiaries of a 'Digital Dinner' at The Spectator magazine, hosted by Matthew D'Ancona. They've already got 400 members on their Facebook group.
They know there is plenty more they can and should be doing, but they've made a good start.
I'm always excited to see charities trying to get the most out of new media, and especially social media, so I reckon this is one to watch.
www.childsifoundation.org
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One year on and child's i are off to Uganda
It's one year since I first met up with Lucy and Kirsty from Child's i Foundation. I'm delighted to say that I was right to describe them as "one to watch". Lucy is on her way as I write this to Uganda to oversee Phase One of the charity's Child Abandonment Project.
If you ever need convincing that a new charity can achieve a great deal within its first year, look at Child's i.
Lucy has just published a blog post, We're on our way! which summarises some of their achievements over the past year.
What has brought their success? The right people, persistence (has anyone actually said no to Lucy?!), clear thinking, pulling in contacts and favours, and building an extensive network of supporters who give time, money or 'love'. More importantly, they use and involve that network extensively.
Oh yes. They are also using the wonderful low-cost tools of social media to great effect.
There is a lot to learn from what they've done in the past year. Even better, child's i have already shared most of what they've learned online via their website and social media presences.
Good luck Lucy and co!
Howard Lake
@howardlake
www.fundraising.co.uk
Interview with Kirsty Stephenson at Childs i Foundation
I met up with Kirsty Stephenson, Digital Planner at Child's i Foundation, last week to find out more about how the new charity is focusing on social media to secure and develop supporters.
It was cold in the park along London's Embankment, hence the shaking camera. Lucy Buck of Childs i was there too.
www.childsifoundation.org
Howard Lake
@howardlake
www.fundraising.co.uk
They won my admiration too ...
I have just had a look at the website of this charity and this is truly exciting - I hope they meet their fundraising goals.
What I liked the most about it, which something I have been bending the ears of my fundraiser friends and clients, is the warm and personal approach. You can see people who are involved in the charity - you can see the beneficiaries as well as the donors and staff. Most charity websites give the impression that these charities are run by nameless individuals. They want you to communicate to them through 'info@charity.com' And the online supporters of most charities seem to be a nameless bunch behind the scenes. These charities rarely introduce the web visitor to supporters who are involved with the charity.
This website however, wins my admiration on both counts - on offering me, (the visitor) an opportunity to see the people who work for the charity, to read about their vision and aspirations firsthand. And, on introducing some of their supporters to me through the flicrk photos, etc. I feel welcomed on this website and wanting to join.... don't you?
Redina Kolaneci
Senior Fundraising & Stewardship Consultant
McConkey/Johnston International UK
www.mcconkey-johnston.co.uk
Redina Kolaneci
Senior Fundraising & Marketing Consultant
McConkey/Johnston International UK
www.mcconkey-johnston.co.uk
Follow me on twitter: RedinaKolaneci