|
Online Fundraising Resources Center |
|
|
CLICK2SCAM? What is the nonprofit sector doing about charity scams on the Internet?(Thanks to the contributors to CYBERGIFTS for this lead)
February 7, 2000 While doing a talk on internet fundraising at the Smithsonian yesterday, I was asked what I knew about internet-based fundraising scams. I honestly had to say that I hadn't given the matter much thought. But it turns out I had saved a Philadelphia Inquirer article with a sidebar offering some links on tips for donating wisely. The links are appended at the end of this note. I'm sure this has been a troublesome issue on the minds of many in the nonprofit sector, and that there's been a good bit already written on it. With a substantial new online audience, much of it wary of online financial transactions in general, we clearly need to be aware of online charity scams and of ways to reassure our potential donors that, as online charities, we are indeed reputable entities. As an additional service to the users of this web site, I am willing to post useful links on this troubling issue. It may be that there are some sites tracking it in great detail already. One possible way for us as fundraisers to reassure our potential donors is to make sure we're listed (and listed properly) among the reputable sites. I checked my Richard III Society listing on Guidestar (see link below)and was appalled at the hash they'd made of our Form 990 -- now I'm able to get our story out more effectively by having registered. Links from the Philadelphia Inquirer, December 30, 1999
Send comments or additional useful links to lblancha@fund-online.com |