I whole-heartedly agree.  Applied to a donor/supporter base, I think social media can make a tremendous and easily-fascilitated impact.  A simple example is the use of twitter to acknowledge publicity and financial contributors.  For retweeting several Mercy Corps posts, I was tweeted a thank you for my support.

similarly, the crisis in Haiti spurred numerous efforts to use social media for fundraising and public information.  The American Red Cross uses its Facebook page to offer personal thanks to “fans” and contributors to aid in Haiti.  Such an effort also allows a community to congregate.

However, Beth Kanter, social media and nonprofit guru, cautions nonprofits against using social media as the be-all, end-all.  She notes that nonprofits should use social media with caution, realizing that the platforms are tools, not strategies. Most platforms follow Gartner’s hype cycle, ending in a plateau of performance. 

Regardless, responding to donors, contributors and “fans” on the platforms THEY use demonstrates a flexibility and fluidity not usually associated with nonprofits.  But as Dave Fleet mentions, sometimes the handwritten or personal touch is best.  For thanking  those large donations, perhaps in the words of Marshall Mcluhan, the medium is the message.

What other nonprofits use social media platforms to thank donors and contributors?  Do you think it’s a good tactic?

The International Red Cross  is a White House recommended organization. Donations are made here and fund medical aid and efforts to reunite families separated by this tragedy.  Donations of $10 can also be made and charged to your cell phone bill by texting “HAITI” to 90999.

UNICEF has issued a call for $120 million to support relief efforts through its post in Port-Au-Prince.  Donations support the children affected by this disaster and are made here.

CARE, mentioned in the Worldly Nonprofit here, is looking for donations to address the immediate needs of people affected by the earthquake, especially women and children.  Donations are made here.

The sustainable development nonprofit in Cap Haitien, Konbit Sante, mentioned in an earlier post has set up an earthquake response fund to address the immediate needs of the country.  Already contributing $25,000 from its reserves,  monies contributed will go to the now air-lifted  patients of Justinian hospital. Donations are made here.

Mercy Corps, a Portland, OR-based nonprofit mentioned here and here in the Worldly Nonprofit, is aggressively seeking donations to offer immediate humanitarian aid as well as offer psychological support and job infrastructure long-term.  Donations are made here and by starting a fundraising page.

Doctors Without Borders is currently hoping to expand their surgical capacity and seek donations for their Emergency Relief Fund.  Donations are made here.

Informationally,  The American Red Cross has a good update-style blog.  The White House blog contains timely informations about US efforts in Haiti.  Included in the blog is a link for the Center for International Disaster Information.  Mark Turner, former Financial Times journalist, writes from within Haiti in his Blog, Dispatches From a Fragile Island.  The Charity Water website has a great blog with information photos and links to their partner organizations, Partners in Health and Concern Worldwide.  Finally, the Facebook page, Global Disaster Relief is a tool for donation, connection and news updates.

Please add your input of other good nonprofit organizations and sites for information and donation.

Here is Obama’s statement yesterday after his call with President Preval of Haiti: