What happens next? Looking forward to 2009

It's been a couple of weeks since ICAWC 2008 ended and we've been busy doing helpful things like uploading all the presentations and handouts to the website, preparing for International training that will be happening later this week, replying to feedback and comments and so forth.

We've also been discussing next year's ICAWC; well, you don't think it all comes together a week before the event, do you?! The shortlist is still hush-hush, but as soon as it's official I'll be letting you all know where it'll be and what to expect.

Although it won't be updated as frequently, we'll keep this blog going at regular intervals as the planning for next year takes place. In the meantime, please do keep the discussion going at the ICAWC social network and keep building the Wiki; these are all useful communication tools that can grow in the future.

Alex Roumbas

Small budget, big plans: fundraising for charity through social media

Where did August go? ICAWC suddenly seems a lot closer and as the days go on I’m increasingly nervous yet excited about my presentation.

The biggest challenge for any presentation – especially in an afternoon slot – is keeping it vibrant. Thanks to a variety of blogs and community sites I have plenty of illustrations to show delegates just how well free Internet resources can attract the attention.

Isn’t ‘free’ the best word a charity fundraiser could ever hear?! And the best part is that it doesn’t mean compromising in order to avoid paying for a service. The social web is all about the people and organisations on it making it work for them.

The social web is a very exciting arena for charities to exist in. When I talk about how to start an informal dialogue with donors and fundraise without asking for money, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s such potential for a two-way conversation between supporters and non-profits that both can learn and benefit from.

‘Online fundraising’ is so much more than just having a donate button on a website (although that is pretty vital!). I look forward to sharing my thoughts with the ICAWC delegates, and learning from them in return.

Alexandra Roumbas, Dogs Trust