It was a good idea, but it hasn’t quite worked out on popular social-networking site Facebook. Have you joined a Cause? Have you given money to that Cause?

• The “Causes” Facebook application has become popular among nonprofits hoping to raise money through the vast circles of people connected through social networks.
• While many organizations have no difficulty getting users to become supporters (no financial commitment is required to become a supporter), very few have had success raising money from those supporters.
• Although Causes is free for organizations to join, it often uses a significant amount of staff time for nonprofits to develop and maintain their presence on Facebook.

Facts & Figures

• Fewer than 1% of people who join a Facebook Cause actually donate money to that Cause.
• More than 25 million Facebook members (of 200 worldwide) have signed on as a supporter of at least one Cause, but only 185,000 members have actually given money through the site.
• Only two organizations (out of 179,000), the Nature Conservancy and Students for a Free Tibet, have raised more than $100,000.

Best Quote

“I definitely think it’s first and foremost a tool for brand and reputation. It definitely does more for influence than for fundraising.” – Sue Citro, Digital Membership Director at The Nature Conservancy