Twitip

By Jasmin Tragas of wonderwebby, follow her @wonderwebby.

Raising funds on Twitter isn’t just about getting money for your charity. It’s about connecting with people, creating awareness and it’s about giving.

Over the last several months people around the world have tweeted, re-tweeted and donated for an Opportunity International Australia microfinance program in the Philippines. As I write this, an incredible AUD$7,000 has been raised online with 24 hours to go before my fundraiser finishes.

What are the benefits in using Twitter for fundraising?

I’m not going to tell you that Twitter is the easiest way to raise money for your nonprofit, or that it can help you raise $10,000 in ten hours, although some have succeeded in raising funds quickly. However over the last several months I have seen the generosity of people helping me to raise funds using Twitter.

What benefit are you giving people by using Twitter?

I don’t see Twitter as an unlimited source of funds for charities. To me, it’s more about GIVE than TAKE. Using Twitter has given me the opportunity to

- help educate people about microfinance and microcredit

- provide the opportunity for people to give, if they choose to

- help to create more awareness about Opportunity International

- connect with like-minded people around the world, using social media for non profits

- join in creative social media projects with others

- provide updates to people on my fundraising status

- provide links to other fundraisers, nonprofits and events on Twitter

You can never guess the benefits of using Twitter

In fact, you can never guess where any conversation might lead. I had no idea if and when the funds would be raised. However, over the last few months some amazing things have happened

-        An overseas businesswoman was visiting Melbourne and met me for dinner. She donated $500 towards my fundraiser and wanted to discuss the possibility of funding an entire Trust Group (she probably will, along with a friend)
She was the friend of a Twitter friend, although she doesn’t use Twitter herself

-         I visited a local business after an invitation to discuss my fundraiser. They ended up donating $1900!
The manager was the Twitter friend of a twitter friend (of a Twitter friend)

-        Friends tweeted and donations came in from around the world. Someone in Calcutta donated $3. Someone donated $20 using his mobile phone on the train in Sweden. $20 here and $10 there adds up.

-        Best of all I feel like I have connected with generous people around the world using social media for social good.

If you are looking at using Twitter to raise funds, remember to treat people with respect, thank them, be clear about your intentions, and remember to ask yourself – what benefit are you giving people by using Twitter?

[image credit: Opportunity International]