Everyone has their own reason to give to charity -- a pet cause, a friend's walk-a-thon or an appeal from your alma mater. See some inspiring examples below from people who have decided to fundraise for their favorite charity.
>See who is giving to charity on with Kevin Bacon on SixDegrees.org
>Check out the top fundraisers on SixDegrees.org
>See who is giving with Oprah's Big Give
Now it's your turn, create your own charity badge!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
See the charities that were awarded a $10,000 grant from Hanes
The six organizations featured in the charity badges below have been awarded a matching grant from Hanes. Their stories are inspiring and the matching grants will be a tremendous help in advancing their programs and funding new innitiatives.
Suzanne B.
SAVING GEORGIA DOGS
Karen C
DACHSHUND RESCUE OF NORTH AMERICA INC
For this round of matching grants, Jamie and everyone else at SSP again put tremendous effort forward to reach out to their community far and wide; this time they were in the top six and will be getting $10,000 to help fund their efforts in Georgia and Ohio.
Susan M
KAT5 Animal Rescue Inc.
Debra F.
ANIMAL ACTION RESCUE
Mark F.
MAINE PEOPLES RESOURCE CENTER
Mark is the Communications Coordinator for the Maine People's Resource Center (MPRC). He is clearly good at his job because he was able to spread the word quickly starting on September 4th about their efforts to get the matching grant from Hanes. Their organization's power to mobilize people is a hallmark of their work and they did just that. They posted a page called the "Power of $10" where they encouraged people to donate $10 to help MPRC.
MPRC’s ability to mobilize people and communities traditionally shut out of decision-making processes is a key characteristic of their work. They excel at teaching people new to the process of public policymaking how it works and how to best impact the process. They are the publisher of the highly regarded A Citizen's Guide to the Maine Legislature, currently in its twelfth edition. The grant will help them bring individuals and organizations together to realize their shared goals in organizing for a better Maine.
Check out Mark and his team in his Six Degrees T-shirt
Suzanne B.
SAVING GEORGIA DOGS
Suzanne is the president of Saving Georgia Dogs. She saw the Six Degrees matching grant program as a wonderful opportunity for their organization to save many more animals from high kill shelters and gassing shelters in the state of Georgia. The grant from Hanes will help them get a new program called "Save a Heart" off the ground; the program helps shelter dogs suffering with heart worm which is a huge problem throughout the Southern states.
Suzanne thanks Hanes and Kevin Bacon for "helping the little guys like us"; she shares that small organizations like hers struggle to get funding and that a grant like this really allows them to further their mission.
Karen C
DACHSHUND RESCUE OF NORTH AMERICA INC
Karen found out about the Six Degrees matching grants through a newsletter from Saving Shelter Pets [a fellow grant winner]. Karen, a member of the Board of Directors for DRNA, is appreciative that Saving Shelter Pets helped to get them involved. In the end they, the two organizations collaborated quite a bit with their efforts.
DRNA has spent more money this year than in years past on surgeries and as a result that had come close to depleting their funds. They were looking for creative ways to raise more money and doing it through SixDegrees.org seemed like a great idea. Their fundraising included appeals for donations via their newsletter (including special edition toward the end), contacting people who had applied for adoption, a fundraising event and flyers posted in local vets, pet stores. It was hard work, but they kept passing along information through word of mouth -- for example members were contacting their family and friends to widen their circle of potential donors. They got the word out to anyone that would listen. “I really enjoyed it! It motivated me to get up in the morning and see who I would hit up for more donations”, said Karen. She notes that they got into the swing of things late, but they were able to generate momentum quickly
Check out Karen and part of her DRNA team with some puppies in their Six Degrees T-shirt
Jamie M.
SAVING SHELTER PETS INCORPORATED
Jamie is the President of Saving Shelter Pets (SSP) and she was already familiar with the Six Degrees program; they had success reaching hundreds of people during the last round of matching grants, but fell just short of getting the grant in April. They were still thrilled about all the people that helped them raise $17,375; the money was divided among their 4 programs -- Puppy Promises, Bernie's Buddies Heartworm Fund, Rescue & Transport, and Spay & Neuter.
For this round of matching grants, Jamie and everyone else at SSP again put tremendous effort forward to reach out to their community far and wide; this time they were in the top six and will be getting $10,000 to help fund their efforts in Georgia and Ohio.
Susan M
KAT5 Animal Rescue Inc.
Kat 5 Animal Rescue comprised of volunteers from across the country who came together in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to rescue animals. Today, they intervene to protect animals when a natural or man-made disaster strikes. They were successful spreading the word about the matching grant through a bunch of different channels; they posted blog entries that reminded people to donate, they posted appeals on the best friend network and also recruited supporters on their MySpace page.
Susan was thrilled to share the news of the matching grant with their supporters. She explains, "This truly was an effort implementing the theory of the six degrees of separation. We are touched by the swell of support. The money that will enable animals to be saved is incredible, the feeling that you believe in what we do is priceless".
Debra F.
ANIMAL ACTION RESCUE
Debra is the president of Animal Action Rescue (AAR) in Atlanta, GA. She gathered hundreds of supporters through her charity badge to help homeless pets and raised over $17,000. She says, the most incredible of all is that we are TRULY a very small rescue group with only a few core volunteers. We are a foster based group and work in Atlanta and surrounding areas. We take in a lot of special needs animals and this grant could not have come at a better time as we had only recently needed several expensive (many thousands of dollars) medical treatments, surgeries, etc. for several of the dogs we rescued. There really are miracles. AAR is dedicated to the rescue of dogs from high-kill shelters, promote spay/neuter programs, and provide owner education for each dog they place.
Mark F.
MAINE PEOPLES RESOURCE CENTER
Mark is the Communications Coordinator for the Maine People's Resource Center (MPRC). He is clearly good at his job because he was able to spread the word quickly starting on September 4th about their efforts to get the matching grant from Hanes. Their organization's power to mobilize people is a hallmark of their work and they did just that. They posted a page called the "Power of $10" where they encouraged people to donate $10 to help MPRC.
MPRC’s ability to mobilize people and communities traditionally shut out of decision-making processes is a key characteristic of their work. They excel at teaching people new to the process of public policymaking how it works and how to best impact the process. They are the publisher of the highly regarded A Citizen's Guide to the Maine Legislature, currently in its twelfth edition. The grant will help them bring individuals and organizations together to realize their shared goals in organizing for a better Maine.
Check out Mark and his team in his Six Degrees T-shirt
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
What is on your badge?
There are so many amazing stories and issues covered in the badges on SixDegrees.org ; below is a quick sample of what people are supporting on the site.
abuse adoption aid animal art atlanta autism blindness cancer care cats center charity child children clean community county cure dachshund darfur dc development disabilities disease dog drug education energy family ferret florida food foundation fund girls health heart helping homeless horses housing humane katrina kids kill lesbian living love medical network pets philadelphia poverty recovery relief rescue sanctuary school senior services shelter social society special sustainable tiger veterans violence washington water women world www youth
created at TagCrowd.com
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
How to add your badge to MySpace
The website code from the confirmation email should be what you will need in order to display your badge anywhere online. As you may know, MySpace has some new restrictions on linking and as a result we had to generate a specific set of code in order to get your badge to display there. All you need to do is use the second set of code in one of their fields and your badge will display.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Copy the code directly from the email or from the last page of the badge creation process.
2. Go to MySpace.com and login to your profile. Click on Edit Profile and decide which one of the fields you would like to add your charity badge.
3. Paste the charity badge code into the field where you want it display and be sure to give it some introduction text so that people know to support your cause and that you can get $10,000 from Hanes with their help.
4. Save all changes and your badge will appear on your page
5. All donations made through the badge will be tracked in real-time. If you have friends who like the same cause or want to help you they can grab the code to add to their MySpace page or any other website by clicking on the tab that says "Share".
Please note: because of the third party linking restrictions; the donate button and the link on the bottom of the badge are the only links that will work. The video link if you added it will not show up. Keep in mind you can also link to your badge from MySpace.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Copy the code directly from the email or from the last page of the badge creation process.
2. Go to MySpace.com and login to your profile. Click on Edit Profile and decide which one of the fields you would like to add your charity badge.
3. Paste the charity badge code into the field where you want it display and be sure to give it some introduction text so that people know to support your cause and that you can get $10,000 from Hanes with their help.
4. Save all changes and your badge will appear on your page
5. All donations made through the badge will be tracked in real-time. If you have friends who like the same cause or want to help you they can grab the code to add to their MySpace page or any other website by clicking on the tab that says "Share".
Please note: because of the third party linking restrictions; the donate button and the link on the bottom of the badge are the only links that will work. The video link if you added it will not show up. Keep in mind you can also link to your badge from MySpace.
How to add your badge to Facebook
With the website code in your confirmation email you should be able to display your badge anywhere online. Below are step-by-step instructions for adding your badge specifically to Facebook because it requires a specific application. The application is not perfect, but it does allow you to display your badge and raise money for your charity. We are working on an application that will make this more seamless in the near future.
FACEBOOK
1. Install Flash Play
The first thing you need to do once you are logged is search for "Flash Play". Select the Flash Play application from the results then click ‘Add Application’. Now that the application is part of your profile, you can add your charity badge.
2. Install Your Charity Badge
From your Facebook page, Go to your ‘Applications’ and click on ‘Flash Play’. Enter the following:
a. Title: Enter 'My Charity Badge', 'Help me get $10,000!' or whatever you want to call your badge
-->My Charity Badge
b. Full Url to flash: Enter the URL exactly as listed below
-->http://www.networkforgood.org/Pca/Badge.swf?
c. Image URL: You can skip this
d. Fashvars: This is the unique number for your badge; enter it in the exact format as noted below (case sensitive), but use the badge ID from your badge which is at the end URL that says "Link to this badge". If the link to your badge is 'www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?badgeId=105949' you would enter 'BadgeId=105949'.
-->BadgeId=105949
NOTE: its easiest in going to the next fields to use the tab button
e. Width: 160 and Height: 475
f. Click “Add to Profile” and you are done.
3. You should be all set; here's an example of how a page looks with a badge added. You do need to click play where it is placed in order to display the badge.
4. All donations made through the badge will be tracked in real-time. If you have friends who like the same cause or want to help you they can grab the code to add to their Facebook page by clicking on the tab that says "Share".
Lastly, if you do have any problems with the Flash Player -- don't forget that you can always link to your badge or better yet link and image to your badge.
1. Install Flash Play
The first thing you need to do once you are logged is search for "Flash Play". Select the Flash Play application from the results then click ‘Add Application’. Now that the application is part of your profile, you can add your charity badge.
2. Install Your Charity Badge
From your Facebook page, Go to your ‘Applications’ and click on ‘Flash Play’. Enter the following:
a. Title: Enter 'My Charity Badge', 'Help me get $10,000!' or whatever you want to call your badge
-->My Charity Badge
b. Full Url to flash: Enter the URL exactly as listed below
-->http://www.networkforgood.org/Pca/Badge.swf?
c. Image URL: You can skip this
d. Fashvars: This is the unique number for your badge; enter it in the exact format as noted below (case sensitive), but use the badge ID from your badge which is at the end URL that says "Link to this badge". If the link to your badge is 'www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?badgeId=105949' you would enter 'BadgeId=105949'.
-->BadgeId=105949
NOTE: its easiest in going to the next fields to use the tab button
e. Width: 160 and Height: 475
f. Click “Add to Profile” and you are done.
3. You should be all set; here's an example of how a page looks with a badge added. You do need to click play where it is placed in order to display the badge.
4. All donations made through the badge will be tracked in real-time. If you have friends who like the same cause or want to help you they can grab the code to add to their Facebook page by clicking on the tab that says "Share".
Lastly, if you do have any problems with the Flash Player -- don't forget that you can always link to your badge or better yet link and image to your badge.
Get the Hanes T-shirt
You can become a celebrity for your cause and wear this T-shirt that Kevin has on:
If you create a charity badge on or after July 19th and get six people to donate to the charity on your badge, Kevin Bacon and Hanes will send you an official Six Degrees T-shirt to thank you. We will contact you by email within two weeks of your hitting the six-donation mark to give you details on how to obtain the shirt. You can also purchase the special limited edition SixDegrees.org T-shirt at Hanes.com
If you create a charity badge on or after July 19th and get six people to donate to the charity on your badge, Kevin Bacon and Hanes will send you an official Six Degrees T-shirt to thank you. We will contact you by email within two weeks of your hitting the six-donation mark to give you details on how to obtain the shirt. You can also purchase the special limited edition SixDegrees.org T-shirt at Hanes.com
Monday, July 16, 2007
How to build a successful charity badge for your organization
1. Build a Great Badge.
The best badges have a touching photo, a compelling and tangible reason to give, and a clear call to action. Use the limited space on the badge to make a strong, authentic appeal rather than simply cutting and pasting a boilerplate mission statement. The badge can be created by you and your organization, or you can ask a highly involved donor or board member to be the voice of the badge, with their thoughts on why people should support your nonprofit. Link to compelling video or online slide shows if you have them.
2. Donate to Your Own Badge.
People like to feel they are part of a larger effort. It’s not inspiring to see zero donations on a badge, so donate to your own badge to get fundraising momentum started for your cause.
3. Post the Badge on Your Site, Blog(s) and All Staff Email Signatures.
Put the badge on the home page of your website. Tell people that their donations could help your nonprofit get a matching grant from Kevin Bacon and Six Degrees. Do the same on your nonprofits’ blog(s), and post an entry about your efforts that encourages people to submit comments and ideas for getting the word out. You can also put a link to the badge URL in your staff email signatures. Put a photo in the signature that is hyperlinked to the URL to grab more attention.
4. Send a Link to the Badge to People in Your Email Address Book.
Ask all staff to send the badge link to the people in their own email address books. Ask for donations and encourage these contacts to forward your email to others. Your professional and personal circle is most likely to support you.
5. Promote to Your Donor and Volunteer Lists
Email your donors and volunteers, targeting the call to action to the level of supporter they are. Ask occasional donors to simply give via the badge so your organization can receive a matching grant from Kevin Bacon. For your steadiest, most enthusiastic supporters, ask them to post the badge on their email signatures, websites or blogs and encourage them to pass it on to their own friends and family. As the grant deadline approaches, last minute reminders and appeals may be effective, especially if your organization is among the top fundraisers and close to qualifying for a grant.
6. Ask Bloggers to Join Your Cause.
Go to technorati.com and search for blogs that are focused on your issue. Tell bloggers about your campaign and ask them to post on your efforts. They have a circle of active readers who are likely to care about your campaign.
7. Take Your Cause (and Laptop) Everywhere.
Ask your closest supporters – staff, board members, friends – to bring a laptop to social events, church meetings or other gatherings when they can talk about your cause and ask people to donate on the spot. Beth did this to great success.
8. Thank People and Report Back on Progress.
Use your Donation Tracking Report (https://www.networkforgood.org/Npo/reports) to monitor donations and thank people quickly. Tell them the progress you’re making for your important cause, so they feel good about themselves and the difference you’re making together. Here's a great example of thanking donors.
The best badges have a touching photo, a compelling and tangible reason to give, and a clear call to action. Use the limited space on the badge to make a strong, authentic appeal rather than simply cutting and pasting a boilerplate mission statement. The badge can be created by you and your organization, or you can ask a highly involved donor or board member to be the voice of the badge, with their thoughts on why people should support your nonprofit. Link to compelling video or online slide shows if you have them.
2. Donate to Your Own Badge.
People like to feel they are part of a larger effort. It’s not inspiring to see zero donations on a badge, so donate to your own badge to get fundraising momentum started for your cause.
3. Post the Badge on Your Site, Blog(s) and All Staff Email Signatures.
Put the badge on the home page of your website. Tell people that their donations could help your nonprofit get a matching grant from Kevin Bacon and Six Degrees. Do the same on your nonprofits’ blog(s), and post an entry about your efforts that encourages people to submit comments and ideas for getting the word out. You can also put a link to the badge URL in your staff email signatures. Put a photo in the signature that is hyperlinked to the URL to grab more attention.
4. Send a Link to the Badge to People in Your Email Address Book.
Ask all staff to send the badge link to the people in their own email address books. Ask for donations and encourage these contacts to forward your email to others. Your professional and personal circle is most likely to support you.
5. Promote to Your Donor and Volunteer Lists
Email your donors and volunteers, targeting the call to action to the level of supporter they are. Ask occasional donors to simply give via the badge so your organization can receive a matching grant from Kevin Bacon. For your steadiest, most enthusiastic supporters, ask them to post the badge on their email signatures, websites or blogs and encourage them to pass it on to their own friends and family. As the grant deadline approaches, last minute reminders and appeals may be effective, especially if your organization is among the top fundraisers and close to qualifying for a grant.
6. Ask Bloggers to Join Your Cause.
Go to technorati.com and search for blogs that are focused on your issue. Tell bloggers about your campaign and ask them to post on your efforts. They have a circle of active readers who are likely to care about your campaign.
7. Take Your Cause (and Laptop) Everywhere.
Ask your closest supporters – staff, board members, friends – to bring a laptop to social events, church meetings or other gatherings when they can talk about your cause and ask people to donate on the spot. Beth did this to great success.
8. Thank People and Report Back on Progress.
Use your Donation Tracking Report (https://www.networkforgood.org/Npo/reports) to monitor donations and thank people quickly. Tell them the progress you’re making for your important cause, so they feel good about themselves and the difference you’re making together. Here's a great example of thanking donors.
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