Throughout the last 20 years, technology has increased and advanced at an unprecedented rate. This, of course, relays to almost every sect and organization of life. In contemporary society, just about everything has been touched and changed by technological advancements. Here are some ways that this has impacted the way philanthropic initiatives and institutions function today:
More Accessible Giving
The ability to donate now is more accessible than ever due to both the internet and the ability to access it through a cell phone. Additionally, because it is more accessible, it is more common to give gifts as small as $1 or less. This means that more people are likely to give, and even if its a more modest amount they do add up. Also, because markets can advertise their campaigns via cell phone or laptop, more people will be aware of the mission and the fact that money is being collected.
Increased Time-Contingent FundRaisers
With the increase and availability of platforms like “GoFundMe,” giving is not only more accessible but able to solve more immediate needs. For instance, in the situation where there is a natural disaster, collections of money and goods can be discerned and projected much more quickly via these types of platforms. This expedites the process and simultaneously eliminates many steps between the act of donating and the reception.
Improved Transparency
With improved research functions and capabilities, it is becoming more and more normal to thoroughly screen philanthropies and the designation of money within it before donating. People naturally want to know where and who their money is going to, and the internet provides the capability to understand this more thoroughly than before. This formulation is not monolithic–it is through a combination of reviews from other donors, the information that the organization displays, and information from larger organizations and magazines.