Currently, there are at least two web sites {Good Search & IGive} that utilize internet advertising as means of raising support for charities . . . however the charities get 50% or less of what is earned, which means that these two websites generate and keep millions of dollars of the money they raise . . . yes, keep it FOR THEMSELVES!
By keeping such a large portion of the money they raise, these two web sites in fact dramatically reduce the number of people who might otherwise participate in such a program, thereby dramatically reducing the total amount of money raised for charities utilizing this painless method of support! More people would partcipate if 12% of their purchase price was donated, than if only 4% of their purcahse price was . . . and more people would participate knowing that all (100%) of the revenue generated was being donated, rather than only 30% to 50%.
DON’T BE FOOLED!!! There is a way that all money raised could go to the charities . . . read my proposal!!!!
There are several ways to generate funds off of internet advertising . . . but we will focus on two of the more common methods: pay per purchase, and pay per click.
Pay per purchase ads pay a commission when someone clicks on the ad, and makes a purchase.
Pay per click ads pay a small fee for simply visiting a site, even if no purchase was made.
There are several ways to set it up where all money raised can go to charities, but let me give this one (because it solves another potential concern):
McDonalds and/or some other large corporation(s) that have a strong public presence could be engaged to sponsor the web site and oversee it. This way, the charitable organizations could stay well removed from the sales element involved, while benefiting directly from the revenues raised.
I guarantee that it would not be difficult to get the small cost of building and running the website underwritten by one or more people, businesses, or philanthropic organizations . . .because of all the good it would do and all of the money that would be raised.
Let me give you a perfect example of how this could work: There is a Christian radio network that operates some 240 stations, with a proclaimed budget of around $20,000,000 and an estimated, combined audience of some 4,000,000 listeners. Each year, they waste countless hours of precious air time begging for donations during their two semi-annual Share-A-Thons to try to raise the reported $20,000,000 required to operate their approximately 240 stations. They were only intending to hold one event, but even after all of their begging for pledges, they fall miserably short of their goal. For some time they talked about having to decide on whether or not they would be forced to close stations. Now instead, they waste even more air time by holding a supplemental Fall Share-A-Thon to try to make up their shortfall. Again, more air time devoted to what amounts to little more than begging for donations.
Now here is the important part . . . if each of their 4,000,000 listeners(supporters) went to a special fund-raising website and used a banner ad to link to “Flower.Com”(used as an example) . . . and then purchased the least expensive product offered . . . $24,000,000 would be raised. That is $4,000,000 more than their operating budget . . . and no donations would be necessary. 4,000,000 x $6 commission = $24,000,000 !
Now it is not realistic to think that all 4,000,000 listeners would do that, but most could or at least find one or more people to do it in their stead. Furthermore, there are literally thousands of other companies that pay commissions off their banner ads, and most of them represent businesses that people are already purchasing products from anyway . . . and the commissions are being wasted.
When you consider all of the organizations and ministries that are struggling in their competition for donation dollars . . . and when you consider that there are hundreds, if not thousands of prominent and respected companies that pay commissions for internet advertising, the potential is there to raise literally hundreds of millions of dollars for causes and ministries, without it costing anyone any money. I am not talking about $2.00 candy bars, I am talking about revenues from purchases that are going to be made anyway! There is no investment and no cost. When ads are clicked on and purchases made . . . commissions are paid!
The important things to know about this fundraising idea are 1. that it provides people a way to support without it costing them any money 2. that organizations can benefit tremendously without having to invest any money at all and very little time 3. to maximize the amount of funds generated, all organizations should utilize one common site.
All it takes for this concept to raise funds (for charitable organizations) is for people to be aware of it . . . and utilize it. Again, it doesn’t cost anyone any money.
Supporters could fill out a form after making a purchase and select which causes and/or ministries they choose to support . . . and what percentage of their commission earned would go to each one.
When you consider how much time and resources are spent “begging” for donations, it is obviously time for the leaders of these prominent organizations to collectively sit down together (with me) . . . and put this into action. Not doing so is in itself unethical and represents poor stewardship because it denies supporters a legitimate way to “help” . . . in a totally “PAINLESS” WAY!
If you know the director of a national ministry or community service organization, please have them read this!
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