Bettertheworld.com, described by its developers as “the world’s first effortless fundraising platform that empowers millions of people to raise money for charity by surfing the web,” launched in Canada in February.
“The concept is very simple – raise money for charity while you surf and search the web,” stated Steve Croth, a Canadian social entrepreneur and co-founder of Better The World. “We already all do this as part of our daily routine. Why not help charities at the same time?”
In less than two minutes, people can join through www.bettertheworld.com, download the tools, start raising money and track the impact of their activities. The tools include a browser sidebar and Google-powered search toolbar, both of which seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Many charities are viewing 2009 as an opportunity to re-evaluate and expand their use of online tools and programs. “We’ve seen a growing trend towards people seeking innovative ways to support us. Better The World offers us a new way to connect online with people who want to support us, but don’t necessarily have time or money to give,” says Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s CEO Neil Hetherington. “People can now surf the web, support Habitat, and stay engaged with what we are doing to help rebuild communities.”
So far Better the World has partnered with leading global and local charities and foundations like Habitat for Humanity, TakingITGlobal, Children’s Miracle Network, United Way Toronto, CANFAR, SickKids Foundation, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
“Most websites and communities related to global social issues focus on delivering content related to awareness of global social issues; we’ve focused on impact,” says co-founder Mark Bachman. “We are proud to be partnered with leading global and Canadian charities to make a tangible and measurable difference to their organizations.”
Better The World is a for-profit social venture that is privately owned and operated in Canada and the U.S. Born from extensive research completed at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, it is the world’s first for-profit social enterprise with a 90/10 revenue sharing model. For more information, visit http://www.bettertheworld.com or contact Steve Croth, 647-827-412 x250; scroth@bettertheworld.com.
Goldie Company’s new communications group combines new tech with traditional marketing
The Goldie Company, established in Toronto in 1965, has launched Gamma Communications, a full-service firm providing smart-priced marketing and communications services to Canada’s nonprofit sector. The new organization emphasizes online, social media and new technologies that, combined with traditional marketing activities, will help keep expenses down while reaching target demographics.
“The way we are connecting and engaging with our audiences is changing very quickly, even though the messages are still the same,” says managing director George Stanois. “New opportunities are emerging that can help nonprofits get their message out in a more targeted way, while keeping their costs down and having more impact than we have ever seen before.”
Communications has always been a cornerstone of any fundraising activity. With the advent of everything from texting to Facebook to Twitter to Youtube, all having unprecedented success in mobilizing presidential political campaigns, expediting disaster relief fundraising, and planning large-scale events, the online revolution has come of age in the non-profit sector, he believes. “I think all fundraising organizations can benefit from this,” Stanois says.
For more information, www.gammacom.ca
