Edward Norton’s Charity: New Age of Fundraising

Edward Norton, actor, philanthropist, community organizer, launched a new site that might be just the fundraising ticket for small charities and charitable projects. The hook is getting the word out to multitudes and providing an avenue for even small donations to make an impact. Sometimes, people would love to support a cause, but don’t want to write a check for $10.00.  Crowdrise (http://www.crowdrise.com/about) makes it easy.

Charities simply register on the site, ID the donor base and creatively make the case to potential donors. They will raise good money if they do their job and extend their reach well. Then all that’s left to do is express gratitude and do good with the money.

Crowdrise’s impetus? Mr. Norton successfully used a viral method to garner sponsors and raise money for a marathon supporting one of his causes. He raised over a million dollars from small donors. He and two co-founders, Robert and Jeffrey Wolfe, successfully garnered online support through social media and marketing tools such as time-sensitive raffles and give-a-ways.

The site also suggests that individuals post all their volunteer activities on Crowdrise. In addition to looking angelic with all of your good works, you can get friends and FOF to support your causes. More good work with little effort.

Don’t want to create a page? No, problem. Simply, peruse all of the charities and projects that have. You’ll surely find one to support.

If you believe rehabbing feral cats to be a noble cause and get others to agree with the legitimacy of it and your organization, then Crowdrise is the place for you. You’re golden, as long as your non-profit is approved by the IRS and in in the GuideStar database.

Viral, grassroots and good works, now that’s some healthy Kool-Aid:  http://www.crowdrise.com/about

© 2010