For
some time, we've been strong believers that the web is an excellent
resource for nonprofits to build their membership and for existing and
new members to learn more about the organization's cause and get
involved. And because we are a curious bunch, we asked Canadians what
motivates them to get involved in a nonprofit organization.
The primary finding: Web technology is key in encouraging participation in nonprofits.
In fact, the survey (which was conducted by Ipsos Reid in January
2007) found that most Canadians indicated that navigable websites and
online access to information make it easier to get involved in a
nonprofit.
Interestingly, 56 per cent of Canadians have considered getting
involved in a charitable or non-profit organization. Additionally, 47
per cent said an easy to use, navigable website where they can find
information about the organization, inspires them to get actively
involved.
The findings also told us that an evenly balanced amount of
respondents stated that viewing events and meetings related to the
organization's cause online (36 per cent) and receiving e-newsletters
from the organization about current campaigns and events (34 per cent),
would generate additional interest in the organization.
The survey also found that:
- Residents of Saskatchewan/Manitoba (66 per cent), are the
most likely to have participated/considered getting involved in a
non-profit organization, followed by those in Atlantic Canada (62 per
cent), Alberta (60 per cent), Ontario and British Columbia (both at 58
per cent), and Quebec (45 per cent).
- Those with higher household incomes (61 per cent among those
from households with more than $60,000/year) and wither higher
educational levels (67 per cent among those with a University degree)
are the most likely to indicate that they have participated or
considered starting or getting actively involved in a non-profit or
charitable organization.
- Residents of Alberta (52 per cent) and British Columbia (52
per cent) are the most likely to say "an easy to use and navigable
website where you can find important information about the
organization" is something that would make them more likely to get
involved in a non-profit organization, while younger adults aged 18-34
are also the most likely to say this (58 per cent vs. 41 per cent among
those over age 35).
We were very happy with the results of this survey. They not only
confirmed our beliefs, but also showed that new online services like
Wild Apricot address the challenges that are inherent in today's
nonprofit sector by creating tools that are affordable, efficient and
easy to use.
If you have any thoughts or comments on these findings,
let us know. And thanks again to those who took the time to participate.
-->
