Proving that social media can be used to raise significant funds for nonprofits is "the brass ring" that every nonprofit utilizing social media wants to reach. On the other hand, social network fundraising is growing: both by adoption, use and acceptance. This post explores the existing challenges facing social network fundraising - and brainstorming ideas to overcome the barriers.

Nonprofit organizations constantly need to raise funds, and many are turning to social media to raise funds online. Organizations ask, "when does social media lead to more money?" The real question to think about is, "when does engagement lead to more money." Using social media to engage, listen and learn from stakeholders is the first requirement for a successful online fundraising strategy.

In this NTC 2009 Session "The Value of Online Fundraising," representatives from Care2 and Blackbaud discuss case studies and survey results that offer current benchmarks for online email marketing ROI and social network fundraisin ROI.

A New York Times article on energy efficiency inspires thoughts on peer to peer fundraising. Does peer giving -- knowing who else is giving and what amounts -- make social network fundraising more effective?

Recent online donor report shows that multi-channel fundraising strategy combined with return clicks on a website lead to success. This post considers ideas for using social media to direct donors to your many fundraising channels, and to increase website "stickiness."