Recent years have seen huge leaps in the world of technology. We are now surrounded by computers, tablets, smartphones and even smart watches . Instant web access is a way of life, and that a dynamic web presence is essential for charities. Technology makes reaching out to a variety of people easier than ever before and is changing charities in several ways.
First of all, technology makes it easier to reach more people. In 1984, only eight percent of Americans owned a computer. Now, that number has jumped to seventy-five percent. Nine out of ten Americans own a cell phone. These numbers mean that more people than ever before have access to the unlimited information available on the net. Charities are able to reach more people because of these advances in technology.
Because so many people have access to the Internet, charities are able to share their mission and goals more easily and with more people. People go online to research causes that they are passionate about, and it is easier than ever to get involved. Charities can reach a wider audience and therefore make more of a difference.
Technology makes it easier for people to give. One tenth of Americans have donated via text message while twice that number have donated by clicking a button online. In the past, people were only able to donate after receiving an envelope in the mail, and they would have to wait weeks to know that their check had gone through. The instant gratification of being able to give immediately appeals to many people, and this makes it easier for them to give.
People love to give, but they also love to be recognized for giving. Instantly receiving a “thank you” and being seen on a list of contributors can provide people with the motivation they need to give to a charity. Instead of having to wait for a monthly, quarterly, or yearly newsletter, charities can recognize the contributions of anyone instantly.
Technology allows information to be shared immediately. This has been instrumental in fundraising for numerous disaster reliefs. Countless lives have been saved because charities are able to receive and distribute funds faster than ever before. The Red Cross alone has reported that its app for first aid and national disaster information has been downloaded 2.5 million times.
Advances in technology have changed all aspects of the world, and that the impact on charities is profound. Charitable organizations now have an easier time than ever before when reaching out to people as well as collecting donations. This makes it easier for charities to have more of an impact and help more people.