Online fundraising now possible with new iphone application

Feb 11 2010

The newest fundraising tool for participants in the 2010 Hill Country Ride for AIDS comes by way of the mobile device. The Central Texas nonprofit today launched its new iPhone® application, further equipping event participants with the technology solutions they need to reach more donors and be more successful in their peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.

Developed by Austin, Texas-based Charity Dynamics, the Ride's new iPhone app makes it possible for active participants to easily conduct personal fundraising activities from the convenience of their mobile device -- whenever and wherever they choose -- instead of having to rely on being in front of a computer. The Ride 4 AIDS app also provides a new communication channel for event organizers, enabling them to provide updates and stay more connected with riders as they train and fundraise in the months leading up to the event.

"Participants are required to raise at least $500 as part of their involvement with the Ride, so it's extremely important to our organization that we do everything we can to support them in reaching their fundraising goals," said David Smith, executive director of Hill Country Ride for AIDS. "By working with us to incorporate an iPhone app into our fundraising toolkit, Charity Dynamics has positioned Hill Country Ride for AIDS to deliver even greater value to participants and achieve a new level of success with our event."

Mobile Fundraising

The new Ride 4 AIDS iPhone application places the power of online fundraising in the palm of an event participant's hand. With the app, an individual can use their iPhone to:

• Track their fundraising progress with a donation meter customized for the event;
• Update their personal fundraising page that's optimized for their mobile device;
• Take photos and immediately upload to their personal fundraising page;
• Send fundraising appeals to friends, family and other contacts; and
• View training ride schedules, routes and other event-related details.

In addition to convenience, participants are able to use their iPhone app to fundraise whenever they're most motivated, such as at the end of a training ride or after they just met someone whose life might be impacted by AIDS.

Smith added, "Giving participants who are iPhone owners the ability to perform these online fundraising activities at any time and in any setting will be huge for building support. Essentially, they're able to convert their iPhones into their own fundraising headquarters, and will be better prepared to take full advantage of spontaneous fundraising opportunities."

Launching an iPhone app is the latest move that Hill Country Ride for AIDS has taken to enhance its offering of fundraising tools for riders. After adopting Charity Dynamics' innovative social networking application, Boundless Fundraising™, for their 2009 event, the organization proceeded to have a record year both in terms of participation and dollars raised -- an outcome that event organizers were extremely impressed with considering the difficult economic climate.

"Investing in mobile fundraising solutions is a wise move for nonprofits as their supporters increasingly adopt mobile lifestyles," said Donna Wilkins, president of Charity Dynamics. "Many experts believe that by 2020 mobile devices will be the primary connection tool to the Internet. Organizations like Hill Country Ride for AIDS that stay ahead of this trend and begin making mobile applications a new part of their comprehensive fundraising strategy can already begin generating stronger results and give event participants a reason to keep coming back year after year."

The 2010 Hill Country Ride for AIDS happens April 24. The organization has set a fundraising goal of $700,000 for this year's event, and expects more than 650 riders.

SOURCE Charity Dynamics