As a result, it would seem that Internet technologies could also dramatically reduce the costs of finding prospects and collecting funds, usually associated with direct mail campaigns. While online fundraising may still be in its infancy, effective campaigns have demonstrated the application of today's technologies to proven core fundraising principles. Before taking your fundraising to the world, carefully consider the mandate of your organization. The short and long-term costs of building and sustaining an effective web presence need to be weighed against the benefits of raising your organization's profile. At a minimum, fundraising activities need to be linked to broad organizational initiatives such as community education and membership drives.
Messages have most impact when they appear in different media.
For example, an agency's hard copy newsletter or communications at special events, can spread the word about upcoming online chat rooms and board meetings. At the same time, success can be increased by repeating fund development messages on the Internet at relevant and high profile websites. For example, organizations can highlight fundraising campaigns at webmalls such as Charity Village . Organizations can also link together with like-minded organizations in order to reduce the costs of banner advertisements. Online auctions can also provide profile-building opportunities that span many websites and media.