Mark wrote in recently, inviting us to consider the idea of utilizing “Shop to Earn.” His sample site can be found at…
http://www.shoptoearn.net/reachhaiti
We mention it not specifically as a fundraiser for Haiti (our publication guidelines prevent us from starting down that road, because nearly all of us are involved in fundraising for something), but more as an example of what you might consider using for your own cause. The concept is simple — and it’s been reproduced elsewhere already. Just seems that this portal has paid out, reportedly, $28 million dollars to charities and others during the last 8 months of 2008 alone. If it works for you, praise God. But as always in situations like this, ‘caveat emptor’ — buyer beware. Make sure you understand all the fine print and keep your expectations at a reasonable level. It might be a year before you see significant income… and some of your organization’s supporters might slighly change their perspective of you if you talk too much about shopping and business. In other words, keep it reasonable. . . and this might be a piece of your support pie.
If you desire any information about how this works, don’t hesitate to contact me.