Broadband an Important Tool for Charities Around the Globe
Bowling Green, Ky (September 2, 2020) - Charitable giving can mean so much in today’s environment. As we remain isolated, masked, and socially distant, the ability to give our time, money, or skills to a charity helps us look beyond ourselves. It lets us focus on things outside of our daily lives and reminds us that we can still make a difference, even from our own living room.
Sept. 5 is International Charity Day, commemorating all the ways that individuals, nonprofits, and charitable groups around the world can help others through volunteerism and giving. The date, which commemorates the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, highlights the role of charities in alleviating suffering around the globe. For a growing number of charities, this means receiving donations and assistance via the internet.
According to Nonprofit Source, online giving has increased every year through 2017 (the latest full-year statistic available), when $31 billion was donated to charities and other nonprofits online. More than half of that was donated through branded giving pages designed to collect donations, according to Network for Good’s Digital Giving Index.
Broadband is used for more than simply donations, though; charities use the internet for a variety of roles in support of their missions. Jennifer Hashem, Public Relations Manager for the United Way of Central Indiana, says her organization uses the digital space for a variety of purposes, ranging from gift giving for donors to showcasing impact stories and coordinating efforts to help residents of the six counties they serve.
“We direct advocates, volunteers, and donors to our website (www.uwci.org) for information on the range of programs and services we offer,” Hashem says, “and our social channels (@uwci) provide real-time updates on events and happenings with our work as well.”
Thousands of organizations rely on broadband to seek out donations and find volunteers to help with a variety of excellent causes. Connected Nation is honored to help support the expansion of broadband adoption, access, and use for the many ways this service can change lives for the better.
About the Author: Chris McGovern is the Connected Nation Director of Research Development. He works with staff and external stakeholders to develop research deliverables and provide critical analysis. He uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret data, formulate reports, and make substantiated recommendations based on research findings.