As social media becomes more prominent, “online ambassadors” have become essential advocates.

Earlier this year, Nielsen conducted a study to determine the types of advertising and promotion people trust most. Justin Ware summarizes key findings for Bentz Whaley Flessner in, “Nielsen Study Shows the Monumental Importance of Online Ambassadors” (January 23, 2013).

In brief:

“… if you want someone to know and trust your organization your best bet is having someone they know post something about your org online.”

Jenna Hanington has written for a corporate audience in Pardot, “The Importance of Customer Testimonials” (May 6, 2013).

“Think back to the last time you bought a pair of shoes, or researched the next book you wanted to read. Where did your search start? If you’re like any other consumer, it probably began with customer reviews. Why? Because reviews are candid. They’re not published by the company promoting the product; they’re not fluffed up with marketing lingo and meaningless buzzwords; and most importantly, they’re the words of people just like you.”

Click to read a fascinating study on Twitter use by Pew Internet & American Life (2012).

Do you have an online ambassador program?

My suggestion to nonprofit organizations is to include the role of “online ambassador” in the job descriptions for board and advisory board members who are active on social media. Can they set aside time once weekly, every few weeks, or monthly to share a positive experience, and to encourage their colleagues to support your nonprofit organization? This is a simple, but ultimately very helpful request to make.

Certainly, you would expect leading volunteers and donors to be community advocates and to say positive things about your nonprofit’s work and accomplishments whenever and wherever appropriate. If your advocates are also active online, consider asking them to set aside time to share their opinions and experiences online.

Justin Ware, whom I quote above, suggests nonprofit organizations engage in:

1. Ongoing identification of potential ambassadors for both awareness building and fundraising initiatives.
2. Stewardship of those potential and approved ambassadors through good content and smart online conversation management.
3. A plan for contacting potential ambassadors and officially bringing them into the program.
4. A strategy for leveraging the support of your ambassadors.

Click to read my article, “Americans and Their Gadgets.”

I couldn’t agree more.

“Simply put, a robust ambassador program could be the most important thing your nonprofit can do from a communications standpoint.”

Geoff Livingston wrote a clever article for Razoo: Inspiring Generosity, “5 Ways to Engage Online Ambassadors” (October 20, 2011). Somewhat unusually, Geoff talks about using social media to inspire major gift prospects and donors.

As I know first-hand from my volunteer work with NTEN: Nonprofit Technology Network, not everyone has understood that older generations ~ and those inclined to make major gifts ~ are also interested and involved in social media, not just the “general public” (see my blog articles, “Baby Boomers and Seniors are Embracing Digital Media” and “Americans and Their Gadgets”).

Geoff notes:

“Successful social media-based fundraising in many ways is about democratizing development best practices. If you want to develop online relationships with people who care about your cause, use tried and true development tactics.”

Geoff provides a variety of creative ideas, from creating a social media advisory board to putting their names on a digital ambassador recognition “wall” on your website.

Ask your donors and volunteers to “cheer lead” online for your nonprofit.

In The UBER-Blog, Alexandra Cojocaru discusses “social media superheroes.” In, “The Emergence of the Social Media Superhero” (May 30, 2012) she remarks:

“Much like search engine marketing 10 years ago, social media has now become core to many businesses marketing strategies. With that has also come the emergence of individual roles that are more specialized and unique to social media.”

Alexandra discusses the traits of four key social media “personas”: the Online Ambassador, Social Evangelist, Digital Strategist, and the Data Junkie. I certainly recognize some of my distinguished colleagues in Alexandra’s descriptions, but I had not thought about engaging them online in such insightful ways.

As social media becomes increasingly influential and essential in our world today, don’t let the cart come before the horse, take the reins. Put social media to work for your organization!

Carolyn M. Appleton, CFRE

May 15, 2013

Carolyn gives this video a gold star!

As my readers know, it is rare for me to post articles more than once every two weeks, but this is an exception. The content of this video is so important for nonprofit organizations today, I wanted to share it with you.

Nonprofit Performance Management on YouTube

“Nonprofits face increasingly difficult challenges: we are asked to do more with less, and are asked by funders to demonstrate effectiveness in an increasingly competitive environment. Funders continue to becoming more interested in hard data – constituents served, time committed, resources spent, and outcomes achieved.

As nonprofit practitioners, we also know we can do better – we can collaborate with each other, share knowledge, improve the way we work, and demonstrate our effectiveness through hard data. We all have our stories to tell, but we must begin to – or improve – how we use data to support those stories.”

This 53:48 video discusses the current state of performance management and outcomes tracking in the nonprofit sector, and how the nonprofit sector can move to integrating these activities into their daily work at all levels. It was filmed at the NTEN Nonprofits & Data Summit in Boston on September 12, 2012.

On a personal note, I believe the use of solid, trustworthy data on which to base nonprofit decision-making is essential. Taking the time to understand what kinds of data is available, determining how to track and “mine” that data, and ultimately to put it to good use are critical. Having said that, nonprofit staff should not get carried away with data collection, and “lose sight of the forest for the trees.” Nonprofit staff need to be mindful of both the details and the big picture.

As Dan Pallotta has noted, “If Walt Disney waited for the data he would never have built Disneyland. The only way you could get data on Disneyland was to build it. The nonprofit sector kills the spirit of those who work inside it with its glorification of data. The demand for data is just a way of putting off the sickening feeling in your gut that comes with taking a real risk.”

As with most issues like this, striking a balance between the two approaches is the best answer.

Need help understanding data and how it can help your nonprofit? Follow this link to the helpful NTEN guide, “Getting Started with Data-Driven Decision Making.”

Skyline view courtesy of Forbes. Click to reach, “America’s Best Downtowns.”

Best wishes from San Antonio, Texas!

Carolyn M. Appleton, CFRE

Click to read, “Behind the May Boston Magazine Cover.”

April was a dramatic month in the United States, from the terror incident during the Boston Marathon, to the deadly explosion in the town of West in Central Texas. The general public is still learning about potential uses of social media during emergency situations, and many insightful examples of its successful use were tested this month.

“More than 66% of adult online users are now connected to one or more social media platforms. And it’s not just about keeping in touch with friends or following news or interests. As social media continues to play a pervasive role in the way people think, act and react to the world, it’s also changing one of the most crucial ways of actually helping the world: how people respond to emergencies and disaster,” notes Sonia Paul for Mashable.

“In Case of Emergency, Use Social Media” Infographic courtesy of visual.ly. Click to see the full chart.

Social Media 4 Emergency Management posted helpful advice in, “A Role for Onlookers” (April 21, 2013).

“If you are in a jurisdiction that is dealing with an incident of national significance, you are busy learning the following lessons:

• The world is watching and wants to help,
• Rumors will run rampant because people try to live-tweet scanners and news broadcasts in crisis events,
• Images and videos, no matter how graphic, will surface, and
• The amount of information available will become a sifting and sorting nightmare, but
• There is now little dispute that the use of social media can rapidly allow agencies to share information and employ the public as additional eyes and ears during significant events.”

Kim Stephens has developed a WordPress blog, idisaster 2.0. In, “Social Media and the Boston PD #Boston Marathon” (April 16, 2013), Kim provides additional advice regarding the use of Twitter.

• Valuable time does not have to be spent word-smithing updates to social networks; it is more important to get the message out the door as quickly as possible and to make sure your point is clearly understood.
• In a fast moving situation, it isn’t that difficult to understand how incomplete or incorrect content can get posted. However, if that does happen, it may be necessary to repeat the correction.
• Situational awareness information can often be found from the social accounts of other city agencies or organizations.

Twitter was certainly the platform to watch during the Boston Marathon. It was while viewing Twitter that I personally became aware of the bombing incident. Kudos to the Boston Police!

“The Boston Police … seemed as prepared for the communications breakdown as they were for the actual emergency response. Using social media — mainly Twitter — Boston Police was able to spread its emergency notification messages literally across the globe in a matter of minutes; and, thanks to the help of the media and concerned citizens from all points on the compass, that message was multiplied at an exponential rate,” writes Paul Rothman for Security Info Watch (April 24, 2013).

Crowdfunding has proven to be a successful way to fund relief for Boston Marathon victims.

In terms of fundraising for charitable causes, we also discovered crowdfunding  is a quick, convenient and effective way to raise emergency relief funding for victims. Adweek published an overview by Emma Bazilian, “Crowdfunding Efforts Aid Boston Marathon Victims” (April 23, 2013).

“In the aftermath of last week’s Boston Marathon bombings, social platforms have become an important tool not just for sharing information about the events, but for raising funds for its victims. Online crowdfunding sites are making it easier than ever for anyone to organize fundraising around a cause. Since last Monday, victims’ friends as well as total strangers have used these platforms to raise millions for hospital bills, funeral costs, and more.”

A May 6 update from One Fund Boston puts the crowdfunding effort at $28 million. “Victims in Boston Marathon Bombings Turn to Crowdfunding for Support” by Jennifer Preston and Christine Hauser notes, “On Monday night, Kenneth R. Feinberg held a town hall meeting for victims and their families, starting the process of divvying up the $28 million raised by One Fund Boston, which was created after the bombings. But Mr. Feinberg, who oversaw the compensation fund for 9/11 victims, has emphasized that $28 million is not nearly enough to cover the daunting medical costs for many of the victims, as our colleague Abby Goodnough has repoted.” 

What Can Nonprofit Fundraising Professionals Do?

Aside from those working for nonprofit organizations that are focused specifically on emergency relief, there are ways individual fundraising professionals can also help. For those of us who maintain websites with an emphasis on nonprofit fundraising, consider posting emergency links.

I occasionally receive messages from readers asking for help finding emergency relief. People have naturally come to associate me with nonprofits and fundraising. In truth, my prior work has not involved emergency relief, but regardless, people searching for help land on my websites. That may be the case with you, too, even if you do not realize it.

Toward that end, I have installed a separate section on my WordPress blog, “Emergency Links.” It includes links to some of my favorite helpful websites (and apps), American Poison Control Center, American Red Cross (a link to its mobile apps plus the Safe & Well listing service), Aunt Bertha, FEMA, HelpBridge by Microsoft, and mobile apps from The Weather Channel.

We can also spread the word about crowdfunding activities currently underway (and start our own, if necessary), and we can share links to traditional and trusted emergency relief organizations on our social media channels. For a list of resources about crowdfunding for nonprofits, follow this link to NTEN: Nonprofit Technology Network.

Helpful Resource for Donors

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy blog provides information about the “when, where, and how of informed disaster giving.” The Center is guided by highly-regarded Robert G. Ottenhoff.

“The Center for Disaster Philanthropy responds with stability, providing credible advice and a consistent strategic approach. We help donors best leverage their resources throughout the disaster life cycle, helping afflicted communities recover today in addition to preventing future suffering through disaster preparedness efforts.”

During the deadly tornado outbreak in the Midwestern United States in May, I watched social media closely. One of the most quick to respond with helpful information for donors was the Global Philanthropy Group. “Global Philanthropy Group advises the world’s leading philanthropists. We work with individuals, charitable foundations and corporations to design and implement highly-leveraged philanthropic strategies.” I normally don’t recommend investment companies so strongly, but they were a “stand out” when guidance was needed about where to give safely, effectively, and quickly.

Inside Scoop

This is entirely unusual for me, but during a spring presentation at Geekdom in San Antonio, I learned about SnapTrends. I understand from its representatives that public safety officials are showing a growing interest, and I have shared links to the company with the London Marathon; San Francisco Police Department, Boston Police Department, and the San Antonio Police Department.

In brief, this start-up pairs Google location services with “social listening” for a comprehensive understanding of what social communications are occurring in any given region at any given time, as determined by the user(s). Emergency services can then be focused more strategically and quickly. Keep an eye on this one.

Click to reach the website for FEMA.

Best wishes, be safe, and perhaps most of all, and as we have learned this year, “use social media.”

Carolyn M. Appleton, CFRE

April 25, 2013 (updated May 21, 2013)

iPhone photo by longtime friend Toni Turner, in Austin. NTENy “superstars” (2011) adorn my head!

The NTC: Nonprofit Technology Conference hosted by NTEN has now passed. I enjoyed watching it online in the comfort of my own office.

To learn more about the event and the incredibly helpful information provided, check out Twitter by searching on the hashtag #13NTC. As for me, I posted and re-tweeted information of interest to me @CAROLYNAPPLETON. (April 14, 2013)

The encouragement of NTEN: Nonprofit Technology Network has been invaluable to my ongoing work in the nonprofit sector, and to the development of my personal blog on WordPress.

Without the eternally helpful and patient NTEN staff, I would never have begun blogging. They continue to help me navigate the ever-changing “tech” world of nonprofit management, fundraising, and communications.

Some think it a bit odd that a major gift fundraising executive would also be interested in new technologies, but the truth is, many of my prior donors and volunteers are “tech savvy” themselves. It makes perfect sense to communicate with them using new media.

Certainly, traditional methods of cultivating major and planned gift donors must still be pursued. But today, more people capable of making “major gifts” are online, and loving it! Nonprofit organizations should communicate regularly and consistently using social media and blogs, and share their many worthy missions, activities, financial and in-kind needs, and their success stories.

This brings me to the NTC: Nonprofit Technology Conference, April 11 to 13, 2013 in Minneapolis. The popular three-day annual conference brings together nonprofit professionals from around the world to collaborate, innovate, and maximize effectiveness.

With a wide range of social events, seminars, training, and resources, the 2013 NTC helps nonprofit staff members put technology to work.

Andrew Sullivan, one of the world’s most widely-read bloggers, spoke during the 2010 NTC.

Today, with more than 22,000 visits by some 116 countries (a huge number for my “niche” market of expertise), I am more comfortable than ever blogging. It has become one of the most professionally satisfying experiences of my life.

Additionally, blogging helps demonstrate how I work, the challenges I have faced (and how I have survived and thrived), and it has put me in touch with people from all walks of life and many different cultures. My personal story is discussed in, “Blogging ~ How I Began.” In response to an avalanche of questions over the past year, I also include in this article information about how I set-up my blog on WordPress, and related concerns about blogging.

Overall, my blog provides information for follow-up from both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. I continue to believe the best advice is drawn from both sectors, and helps keep my nonprofit colleagues on the “cutting edge.”

Why is blogging important to nonprofits? Nonprofit organizations can provide greater insight into how they work on a blog, they can discuss in greater depth their worthy missions and success stories, provide updates about special events, grants received, and more. If you search on the NTEN website, you will discover many helpful blogging resources.

Ultimately, sharing this information creates a climate of trust and a greater feeling of involvement on the part of donors, volunteers, and the general public. Greater understanding is achieved through regular communication both in-person and online. The more donors trust a nonprofit organization, the more likely they are to donate, and at significant levels. A helpful aspect of social media is that donors and prospective donors can access information about a nonprofit organization anytime and anywhere (with a wireless connection). It is a very convenient way to touch base, and to remain in touch, 24-7.

Last but not least, as a member of the NTEN Membership Committee, I urge you to join. The benefits are countless. As a certified professional fundraising executive, I am a member of both the Association of Fundraising Professionals and NTEN. These worthy organizations both provide outstanding educational programming.

My professional experiences in the nonprofit sector have taught me first-hand the powerful link between volunteering and charitable giving. In my blog article, Volunteering and Charitable Giving, I share not only heartwarming personal stories, but also a variety of studies and resources for follow-up.

While the concept of volunteering is discussed generally online today, I hope to see more stories published that include real life examples like mine, to help underscore the importance of nurturing volunteer relationships and developing and fostering meaningful volunteer programs in partnership with nonprofit development activities. In fact, volunteering makes sense from every angle.

For the volunteers themselves, volunteering provides noteworthy health benefits. And, while volunteering at any age is a healthy, worthwhile activity, I have been especially interested in older adults, some of whom are also prime candidates for making major and planned gifts.

According to, The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research (2007):

• A study of adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from his or her volunteer activities.

• Another study found that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in individuals 65 and older.

• A Duke study found that individuals who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression – two factors that that have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.

• An analysis of longitudinal data found that individuals over 70 who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.

• Two studies found that volunteering threshold is about 100 hours per year, or about two hours a week. Individuals who reached the threshold enjoyed significant health benefits, although there were not additional benefits beyond the 100-hour mark.

“Virtual volunteering” is a concept more companies should encourage.

In terms of employees still in the workforce, an article by Ryan Scott of Forbes suggests “virtual volunteering” be encouraged.

In, “The Virtues of Virtual Volunteering and Online Fundraising” (February 23, 2013), Ryan notes:

“Online or ‘virtual volunteering’ allows people to help nonprofits in a variety of ways, from web design and social media strategy, to translation, accounting, research, data entry and a host of other needs.  This kind of skills-based volunteering allows virtual volunteers to contribute as much or as little time as they can, all from the convenience of their computers or smartphones. When employee volunteerism includes online opportunities and fundraising, your employees can effortlessly donate their time and talents.”

Here is a new and innovative platform by which one can volunteer online: Raise5.

“Raise5 is a home for freelance fundraisers making a difference through their passions and talents. Our simple platform provides an easy and relevant way for supporters to give back to nonprofits by donating goods and services online for anyone to purchase. Proceeds benefit the donor’s nonprofit of choice.”

My Raise5 service page may be found here. I signed-up in 2012, and have enjoyed “micro-consulting” for groups in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. As a volunteer, I have enjoyed making new friends and learning about other organizations, their missions (and their struggles to secure financial support). Participating in Raise5 has been eye-opening and fulfilling.

AmeriCorps Texas is administered by OneStar Foundation.

On the home front in Texas, OneStar Foundation is promoting AmeriCorps, “a network of national service programs that gives people the chance to serve in locations across the country.”

AmeriCorps*Texas pairs members with nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based and community organizations to help them tackle social challenges. “AmeriCorps*Texas gives members the opportunity to strengthen Texas communities while being part of a national service movement.”

I was also pleased to see my alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin, produce this helpful online resource for volunteers, resource managers, instructors, and thought leaders, ServiceLeader.org.

“We strive to provide volunteers and the leaders of volunteer initiatives with high-quality information that furthers the study and practice of volunteerism. This site is operated by the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service in the LBJ School of Public Affairs.”

I hope you enjoy my blog article, and if you are not yet doing so, consider volunteering for the nonprofit organization of your choice today!

Thanks to WealthEngine for reblogging this post on its blog, WealthWorks!

Children are adopting the use of “gadgets” at very early ages.

There are some angry moms out there. Don’t be shy. Admit it!

I have heard from some of you on my blog.

Gadgets and new technologies are proliferating. People of all ages are more distracted (but also more connected), than ever before.

Is this good or bad?

An article published on my blog tackles this issue head-on: Gadgets Are the Root of All Evil? I describe a successful capital campaign on which I worked in Dallas, aimed at giving young children – especially inner-city youth – the opportunity for safe, hands-on experiences with nature.

I first became aware of the potential “gadget” issue from Dr. Jane Healy, an international expert in early childhood education. Dr. Healy cautions us in her pioneering work, Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think and What We Can Do About It:

“Growing brains are physically shaped by experience … television programs – even supposedly educational shows like Sesame Street – develop ‘habits of mind’ that place children at a disadvantage in school.”

Dr. Healy laments, “increasing numbers of children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.” And, while she was writing at the time about television, her concerns clearly extend to new technologies.

Citing Dr. Healy’s arguments, we were able to raise millions for a new children’s zoo at the Dallas Zoo from a number of concerned citizens and organizations. That was back in the late 1990s, but I believe today the need to expand and refresh similar facilities has only increased. Our zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, walking trails, parks, and preserves need as much attention today, if not more.

Every parent wants their child to succeed in life. Being able to use new technologies for learning, to obtain safety information, and for entertainment purposes is growing in importance daily. But let us not forget that human beings are “wired” to learn from real life experiences – touching, seeing, and hearing in person – not just via the medium of our portable electronic devices. Vital survival skills are taught through in-person, hands-on learning.

Click to read from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education about Dr. Healy and “Endangered Minds.”

On the flip side, I was pleased to learn this past week about Code.org, a nonprofit organization that promotes the ability of every student in every school to learn how to code.

Code.org is a, “non-profit foundation dedicated to growing computer programming education. Our goals include: 1) spreading the word that there is a worldwide shortage of computer programmers, and that it’s much easier to learn to program than you think; and 2) building an authoritative database of all programming schools, whether they are online courses, brick+mortar schools or summer camps.”

Two quotes from notable supporters:

“Computer programmers are in great demand by American businesses, across the tech sector, banking, entertainment, you name it. These are some of the highest-paying jobs, but there are not enough graduates to fill these opportunities.”

~ Marco Rubio, Senator, Florida

“Computers have and continue to change the world around us, and programmers continue to be essential. But I know first hand from studying FORTRAN that many of us get intimidated by it and we shouldn’t be. Computer programming has become far more accessible to teach and learn, and our country needs more students to learn it.”

~ Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers

I couldn’t agree more, and I urge everyone to support the cause.

But the truth is, we need both kinds of learning to be fit for the modern world, and to ensure the health and well-being of our planet as a whole.

It is my hope that successful tech entrepreneurs and other philanthropists will consider not only funding the development of new technologies and related educational efforts, but also natural environments and places for children and families to learn about and enjoy nature.

Click to learn about Sisyphus on Wikipedia.

Greetings and I hope you have had a happy and productive February.

I was inspired by a presentation this month by Michael Patterson, Area Representative of the Arthritis Foundation in Texas, on ethics and philanthropy. The event was hosted by the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning San Antonio.

My latest blog article, Ethics and Philanthropy, provides personal observations as well as a number of resources for those seeking information about ethical practices and nonprofit fundraising, and from a variety of sources. In fact, the photograph posted was taken while I was writing it (smiles) ~ “art break”!

Other news regarding my blog … I have updated Baby Boomers and Seniors Are Embracing Digital Media.

Pew Internet & American Life Project has released new statistics on those who are using the Internet. If you are not following Pew Internet & American Life Project, you should consider doing so. The information provided is timely, objective and invaluable to making sound decisions regarding nonprofit fundraising and communications. Follow this link for the organization’s social media presence.

If you want to learn more about new technologies that are helpful for nonprofits, sign-up for the NTC!

As all age groups increase their activity online, it is more important than ever to keep abreast of new developments. Toward that end, may I suggest you sign-up to attend in person – or remotely via your laptop – the annual NTC: Nonprofit Technology Conference, April 11-13, 2013 in Minneapolis.

I will be watching the NTC remotely, and I always learn so much from the event. I recommend it highly.

In my blog, I lament the need for educational programs for older adults, so they may take full advantage of the benefits of new technologies. This week, I learned more from AARP about its new Senior TechRALLY events, which are being held across the United States in partnership with AT&T. I commend them both for this outstanding initiative.

I have connected with the founder of the program via Twitter, and look forward to brainstorming with him in the near future. You can also follow the program on Twitter. 

Last but not least, my tandem website, Fundraising Resources, continues to be updated with new information – new blogs and new resources, A to Z. As I mention on that website, I created it as much for my own use as for others.

Thank you again for your interest in my work. Very best wishes for your fundraising success!

Martin Luther King, Jr. March in San Antonio. Click to view and read my Tumblr.

February, 2013

Greetings!

The past few months, I have been learning how to document events using photography and to “visually” blog.

French leader Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) wisely stated, “A picture is worth a thousand words.“

I have found this to be true, but it takes a lot of practice to tell a story visually without any professional training in photography. Having said that, there are several mobile apps that make your photographs look more professional and enhance your innate creativity.

One of my favorites is Instagram. Here is a recent example.

For the first time, in 2013 I participated in the nation’s largest Martin Luther King, Jr. March in San Antonio, Texas. Some of us will recall it was President Ronald Reagan who signed the bill creating the federal holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – in 1983.

As I marched along with 100,000 others, I snapped iPhone photographs of the crowd, filtered them using Instagram, and uploaded them immediately afterward. If you click on the photograph you will find my Tumblr write-up with more images of the march.

I have also been experimenting with Viddy. The free app allows you to take videos that are a few seconds in length, filter them, add music if desired, and upload them online.

Keep in mind, just a few seconds is not much time to convey an important message or impression. It has taken me a few months to gather up the courage to even try creating a Viddy. As with so many social media tools, you must let go of your fear knowing you will make mistakes, and go for it. Then, the fun begins!

My work on Viddy is rudimentary (both work and play are included), but I have to admit, I have laughed and smiled more using Viddy than most of my other social media tools.

My MLK March Viddys are raw, but they help capture the experience of marching along that Monday morning:

• MLK March: Lining Up
• MLK March: Sam Houston High Raises Spirits
• MLK March: “Dream Alive” & Sam Houston High
• MLK March: Music on the Side
• MLK March: Bike Clubs Brought Their Own Music

On a personal note, while I watched the impressive and polished festivities of the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., I have to say, I felt I was experiencing more of the “real deal” in San Antonio, Texas on January 21. The diversity of cultural backgrounds, ages, political persuasions, business interests, and religious affiliations in the San Antonio crowd was impressive, all of us marching together to promote peace and understanding.

Twitter has come out with a new app that creates even more brief, six-second videos, Vine. I have some work to do to master it, and if you are like me, you will want to learn more by reading the Twitter blog about Vine. “Like Tweets, the brevity of videos on Vine (6 seconds or less) inspires creativity” (or panic in my case).

Video continues to increase in popularity overall. I have posted a variety of helpful resources at the conclusion of my more lengthy WordPress post, “Video to the Rescue.” Nonprofits need to be paying attention to this trend and make use of video to convey their many worthy missions and needs for support.

Back to my blog and work updates ….

February is Black History Month, and you might also enjoy updates to my WordPress blog section, “Connecting with Diverse Communities.” I have identified resources for those of us in the nonprofit sector who are wisely seeking to expand our donor bases to include diverse communities. To start, I have included information on Hispanic, African American and Asian American communities.

In terms of “visual blogging,” I have continued to expand my work on Tumblr and Instagram. I have also been experimenting with two other terrific photography apps: 100 Cameras in 1 by Trey Ratcliff, and Aviary.

An Instagram taken during the fashion show in 2012 for Fashion Week SA.

Three other of my “visual blogging” experiences using Tumblr that you might enjoy include: 1) San Antonio Fashion Week 2012; 2) Artpace’s 2012 “Chalk-it-Up”; and 3) San Antonio River Authority.

My use of Tumblr is somewhat unique, in that I use it to showcase visual imagery. I then cross-link my Tumblr photo sets onto other social media platforms. This is a clean and convenient method for posting photographs that keeps my other platforms free of photographic “clutter.”

Best wishes!

Carolyn M. Appleton, CFRE

Study: Online Life in Pictures

Online Life in Pictures is a study conducted by Pew Internet & American Life (September 13, 2012), that underscores the importance of visual imagery in communications today.

“Photos and videos have become key social currencies online.

• 46% of adult internet users post original photos or videos online that they themselves have created. We call them creators.
• 41% of adult internet users take photos or videos that they have found online and repost them on sites designed for sharing images with many people. We call them curators.”

Click on the link above for more telling statistics.

You might also enjoy reading, “Picture This: Instagram Is The Fastest Growing Social Network For Brands” by Greg Finn for Marketing Land (May 9, 2013).

“Since Facebook purchased the filter-friendly photo app Instagram last year, brand adoption has skyrocketed, according to a new study of the top 100 brands by SimplyMeasured. Since purchase last year, the Facebook-owned Instagram has flourished. The post-purchase growth jumped 500% in just a year, going from 22 million active monthly users to nearly 100 million current active users.“

Last but not least, The Nonprofit Times has posted, “Going Viral Isn’t as Easy as it Looks” (May 9, 2013). “As any social media ‘guru’ will tell you – or any teenager for that matter – it helps if you include a photo in your Facebook post. The 2013 eNonprofit Benchmarks Study confirms it: Users were twice as likely to like, share or comment on a photo post than any other content on Facebook. Photos had the most ‘virality,’ at 3.3 percent, and only video had above-average virality, at 1.6 percent.”

Click for the definition of, “following.”

Greetings! Thank you for visiting my blog.

In the year-and-a-half the blog has been on WordPress, more than 24,000 people have visited its pages from 200 countries. I have received many kind comments, and deeply appreciate everyone’s interest.

Because several visitors have asked to “follow” the blog, I have re-installed the WordPress e-mail sign-up widget. In truth, I tend to refresh existing articles with new information, rather than to post entirely new articles on a regular basis. This is why I have not set up an RSS feed.

With the e-mail sign-up widget, however, I can now notify my followers about those articles that have been recently refreshed, or when entirely new articles are posted.

The wide variety of topics discussed in this blog continue to influence nonprofit fundraising. I still suggest you “bookmark” the site and return now-and-again to review its pages.

And yes, I do intend to provide information to assist nonprofits in their ongoing fundraising. The generous number of article references herein can be used to help substantiate funding requests and to develop presentations. This is how I use the blog at times, myself!

Other new features:

• “Blogging ~ How I Began” is an article written in response to an avalanche of questions received in my comments box regarding how I set up my blog and how I maintain it.

• “2013 Predictions on Nonprofit Fundraising” is a refreshed post from last year that I have updated with new information. I continue to believe my original predictions hold true, today. A number of supportive articles follow at the conclusion. I continue to add to this post to reinforce what I have predicted.

• I Like It! is a new widget in the sidebar that includes articles I find of interest, as well as links to job listing resources. I have also added Reports & Guides, Dealing With Stress & Preparing to Write, as well as Emergency Links. These are in response to many questions posed on my blog by followers worldwide.

• I have added a link to my Twitter feed in the margin. I am fairly active on Twitter, and as I find interesting articles (as well as humorous ones), I “retweet” them. I also enjoy taking “Twitter notes” during educational programs. You may also find them helpful.

• I am experimenting with a new mobile app courtesy of TheAppBuilder, and you will find a link to the app (which you can e-mail to yourself on a mobile device, open and install, if you wish), on the front page of my blog.

Thank you again for visiting, and here’s wishing you a successful fundraising year in 2013!

Carolyn M. Appleton, CFRE

Updated: April 21, 2013 (updated May 21, 2013)