San Francisco, CA (April 3, 2012) - Blackbaud, Inc., in collaboration with the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) and Common Knowledge, today released the 2012 Nonprofit Social Network Benchmark Report at the 2012 Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC). The 4th annual report, featuring survey results from more than 3500 respondents, provides an extensive look at how nonprofits are using social media, highlights key trends and provides insights for the year ahead. New to this year’s report is a benchmark for the average cost of acquisition for Facebook likes and Twitter followers, along with the average value of a Facebook Like. The self reported average cost of a Facebook Like is $3.50 and a $2.05 for a Twitter Follower with the average value of a Facebook Like being reported as $214.81 over … Continue Reading
Nonprofit Investment in Social Networks and Membership Continue to Grow
Convio Predicts Key Trends for the Nonprofit Sector in 2012
Social and Mobile Gaining Momentum; Personalized Engagement Becoming Necessity Nonprofit software vendor Convio has announced its key predictions and expected trends that will have the biggest impact on the nonprofit sector in 2012: social and mobile continuing to mature; peer-to-peer engagement having greater influence; and donors dictating terms of interaction. “Successful nonprofits must continuously adapt to changes in consumer expectations and opportunities presented by new media and technologies,” said Vinay Bhagat, founder and chief strategy officer for Convio. “Respecting donor communication preferences and leveraging low cost channels and outreach strategies to their full potential are critical success factors.” Key Predictions and Trends for the Nonprofit Sector in … Continue Reading
Oral Tradition to Digital Tradition
by Danny Oberman and Raissa Hacohen Judaism is a religion based on tradition. Our Jewish heritage is passed from generation to generation, and, without the transfer of custom from parent to child, the fabric of traditions quickly unravel. The break in continuity is fast, and red flags are raised in discussions of the Jewish future. As we enter the 21st century, there are signs that technology is about to play a significant role in the transfer of tradition. Most of us have little knowledge of exactly what customs our great grandparents practiced. Few have any idea how their great grandparents ran their Passover Seders. How did they celebrate? Did they drink red wine or grape juice? What did they sing? What type of dishes did they make? What crises in their communities concerned them? How did … Continue Reading
Allison in Israel: Day 4
by Allison Fine Another day in Israel, more fascinating events. The first event was a packed house at Tel Aviv University’s Communications Department. This was a full-circle moment for me as I spent a semester in college at the university. I never expected I would be back for a talk on social change (I was going to say social media for social change, but who could have ever predicted that even a few years ago!) A participant named Hadas Eyal asked a question about measuring social change catalyzed by individuals rather than NGOs. It was a great question for which I didn’t have a great answer. It turns out Hadas is doing her dissertation on just this question, the use of social media for individual activism! At every stop, I have met really smart people with stories or research to share. … Continue Reading
Allison in Israel: Day 3
by Allison Fine Day 3 started with a long drive down to Ben Gurion University in Be’er Sheva in the Negev in the south and ended just a bit north of Tel Aviv at the Microsoft Building. Quite a journey in many ways! The event at Ben Gurion was hosted by Dr. Hagai Katz the director of the Israeli Center for Third Sector Research. He and the program were very impressive. An issue that arose during the session, and that has come up a few times also, was the complexity of working in dual language environments. Many organizations are working with donors who speak English, volunteers who speak Hebrew, and other constituents who speak Arabic. Complicated stuff. But it’s important to remember that not only are the languages different, but these are also different conversations. We talked about the … Continue Reading
Allison in Israel: Day 2
by Allison Fine Day 2 in Israel was jam packed and action filled! The day began with a Tweet Up organized by Dan Brown of eJewish Philanthropy. Participants included Charlie Kalech (who very kindly tried for a long time, alas in vain, to get my iPhone working, stupid AT&T!), Margot Stern, Miriam, Schwab and Florence Broder just to name a few (apologies to folks I left out.) They described the current state of Israeli use of social media for change to me. There is a huge amount of texting going on, and Facebook is also huge. The use of Twitter is low, they surmised, because widespread use of smart phones is just beginning. One very interesting notion shared was the idea that Americans are much more individualistic than Israelis, more likely to put their ear buds in and be in isolation in … Continue Reading
Allison in Israel: Day 1
[Allison Fine is a social entrepreneur and writer dedicated to helping grassroots organizations and activists successfully implement social change efforts. She is the co-author, with Beth Kanter, of the bestselling book, The Networked Nonprofit. Allison spent the past week visiting Israel as a guest of the U.S. Embassy's Office for Public Affairs. Here are her observations.] by Allison Fine Had a terrific first day talking to foundations and students here in Jerusalem. The day began with a presentation to foundation executives at the Avi Chai Foundation, a beautiful brand new building in downtown Jerusalem. This is a picture of the building from the outside. Gorgeous, state-of-the-art on the inside, and, yes, ironically, a bit fortress-looking on the outside! I also spoke to several … Continue Reading
Jerusalem Twestival 2011
This year Twestival is going 'Local' in cities around the world. Events for Twestival Local will raise funds and awareness for local nonprofits that organizers identify for having an incredible impact within their own community. The events can be as big or small as the city wants to make it. Twestivals have been held in local pubs, a bowling alley, a trapeze studio, and even a giant yacht, all thanks to the generosity of local donors and sponsors who come forward to support the volunteer efforts. It is about using your time, talent and resources to come together on one night to make a difference. Think global, act local. Here in Jerusalem, Twestival is Thursday, March 24th, 8:00 PM at the Inbal Hotel. For more on who will be entertaining, who the event supports, and more, check out … Continue Reading
Rabbinical Seminary Launches Unique Social Networking Site
Judaism isn’t a game, but a new Internet game called “MostJewish” is helping to begin a vibrant conversation about what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century. It’s part of a new digital initiative launched by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RCC), which has long been dedicated to reaching people where they are. And where people are these days is online. Players go to mostjewish.com on their computer or hand-held device and see four words or phrases. They click on the one that feels most Jewish to them and learn the percentage of players who chose the same term. They are invited to explain the reason for their choices; they also can discuss the game on Facebook and follow it on Twitter. And the site offers a constantly updated “Top Ten list” of choices and allows players … Continue Reading
Whither Community?
by Paula Jacobs It was a routine e-mail request that rankled me. “A few volunteer slots are still available. I’d like to fill in the gaps on the schedule,” read the blind distribution e-mail sent by the volunteer organization where I have volunteered for years. I shouldn’t have been taken aback when this perfunctory request popped into my inbox. After all, I have written about technology for years, have conducted business via the Internet for more than two decades, have taught online courses, and have long relied on electronic calendaring and scheduling. My husband calls me an Internet junky. But coming from a non-profit Jewish organization which prides itself on fostering community, this impersonal e-mail was unsettling. Am I now someone on a mass distribution list who simply … Continue Reading
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