iConnectX

Please use portrait mode for better experience

Blog Categories

Charity/Nonprofit (59)

Executive (11)

Professional (7)

#	Blogs
	How to Create a Successful Online Auction? Posted on Jun 17, 2021 Auctions have been one of the most effective fundraising strategies. Traditionally live auctions were organized by nonprofits where the donors were invited to the venue where the auctions were held. As the internet became a predominant aspect of our lives, online auctions made a foray into the world... Read more
	Selling Tickets to Virtual Nonprofit Events Posted on Jun 14, 2021 Charity events like auctions, 5km runs, etc. were the mainstay of nonprofit fundraising till the end of 2019. In 2020, when the COVID 19 pandemic struck, nonprofits were left stranded!How to organize fundraising events?How to connect with donors?How to raise brand awareness?These were some of the qu... Read more
	How to Set Up a Fundraising Goal Using Fundraising Thermometer Posted on Jun 14, 2021 Are you using a fundraising thermometer for your nonprofit? Did you know that they are the easiest way to track your fundraising goal? Besides, they offer complete transparency about your nonprofit to your donors! Most nonprofits are already using fundraising thermometers for managing their fundrais... Read more
	Nonprofit Branding Best Practices Posted on Jun 04, 2021 The past few years have witnessed an increase in giving across the globe. It is encouraging to note that even the pandemic did not disturb those who wanted to donate. This has led to the rise in the number of nonprofits globally. It is quite easy for your website to get lost in the myriad of nonprof... Read more
	Most Effective Way to Fundraise? – A Complete Overview Posted on May 20, 2021 If you are running a nonprofit, then you will know that organizing fundraising campaigns can be quite a task!Especially in the current scenario when some of the tried-and-tested fundraising strategies cannot be implemented because of the pandemic.It is heartening to note that despite the pandemic, m... Read more
	What is a Donor-Advised Fund and its Benefits? Posted on May 17, 2021 In 2020 when the pandemic impacted all types of businesses including charitable giving. One of the philanthropic options, Donor Advised Funds(DAFs) actually recorded growth compared to the contributions made in 2019. “Grants from DAFs to qualified charities have grown twice as fast as contribution... Read more
	Characteristics to Look for in Online Fundraising Platforms for Nonprofits! Posted on May 12, 2021 Digital is the "new normal" and nonprofits also need to adapt to digital means of operating. This means whether it is raising funds or hosting events, nonprofits will have to choose online methods. Fortunately, a plethora of online fundraising platforms is available to streamline the fundraising pro... Read more
	How Technology is Changing Future of Nonprofit Fundraising? Posted on May 12, 2021 2020 has been a tough year for most businesses globally. The non-profit sector has also suffered its wrath. Fundraising was way below the expected goals. Almost 38% of nonprofits had to close down in the last year. Fundraising post-COVID is likely to become more challenging for nonprofits for severa... Read more
	Fundraising Strategy 2021: 10 Trends to Consider! Posted on May 05, 2021 The year 2020 was the year most of us would like to wipe out from our memories. With the vaccine coming into play, 2021 is expected to help us recover from the state the pandemic had brought the world to! Fundraising in the last year faced its own set of challenges forcing nonprofits to rethink thei... Read more
	Complete Guide to Nonprofit Marketing in 2021 Posted on May 04, 2021 Every organization requires a marketing plan to increase its reach and attract potential buyers. Nonprofits also require marketing strategies that will help them reach more donors and attract volunteers and supporters. Nonprofit marketing differs from marketing strategies adopted by other organizati... Read more
	Donation Made Easy - Nonprofits Offer Free Donation Pick Up! Posted on Apr 12, 2021 We are living in a society that includes people who have everything and those who lack even the basic necessities in life. The State and Governments across the globe are trying their best to bridge this gap. However, as citizens, it is our responsibility also to help the needy to upgrade their quali... Read more
	Charity Auctions 101 - Covering the Essentials Posted on Apr 07, 2021 Charity auctions are events where funds are raised by selling off items and products to whoever bids the highest. While the bidder gets to enjoy the product/item, the fundraising organization gets to enjoy the money. An absolute win-win situation! If handled right, these events can prove to be immen... Read more
	2021 Nonprofit Trends: Virtual Events Are Here to Stay Posted on Apr 07, 2021 The past year has changed literally everything! We are all adapting to new ways of living and cautiously creating a “new normal!” The new normal is going to have technology at the forefront. This is because only technology can help people across the globe collaborate and work towards common goal... Read more
	Online Fundraising - A Major Source of Revenue Posted on Mar 24, 2021 Online fundraising is a way through which nonprofit organizations raise money via the internet. It usually involves an online donation page and can include mobile giving or peer-to-peer fundraising, among others. With an overall growth of 4.1% over the past year in online giving, 2021 has been the 6... Read more
	4 Ways the Nonprofit Sector Will Evolve in 2021 Posted on Mar 24, 2021 Just like the other sectors, COVID-19 has turned the nonprofit sector on its head. With around 5-10% of the US economy and 10% of the US employment dependent on nonprofit services, the pandemic has only made the country realize the power of this sector. And for good!However, the way it has evolved d... Read more
	How to Find Charities Near Me Posted on Mar 24, 2021 No matter what charity one chooses to donate to, it always ends up making one’s day. It is a part of giving back to the society that has given us all so much, already. Because we understand payback time can be difficult for some, we have listed some charities based on 2 criteria:Charities Based on... Read more
	Volunteer Opportunities Near Me Posted on Feb 26, 2021 Are you someone who types "volunteer opportunities near me" every time you are by yourself? If yes, volunteers are needed for every second cause that comes into existence. However, we do understand the magnanimity of the right volunteers finding the right opportunities at the right time.Thus, iConne... Read more
	Virtual Volunteer Opportunities Posted on Feb 22, 2021 Our brains are wired in a way that the moment the word ‘volunteering’ pops, we imagine tending to the needs of the elderly, tutoring the underprivileged, and likewise. All in person! However, it’s time we change this because Virtual Volunteering is now the talk of the town and this trend is he... Read more
	Why Mentorship Programs are Here to Stay? Posted on Feb 22, 2021 Mentorship programs are an absolute win-win for everyone involved, be it the mentors, mentees, or the organization.But, what exactly are mentoring programs?How are they designed?Why do they need a lot of work?How do they function in nonprofits?Let’s find out, one answer at a time:What Is Mentoring... Read more
	How to Choose a Fundraising Platform for a Nonprofit? Posted on Feb 10, 2021 The fundraising landscape has undergone a complete transformation during the last year. These changes were probably imminent, but the pandemic has speeded the process. A phenomenal rise in the number of donors worldwide coupled with online donations becoming the preferred mode of giving have given n... Read more
	What is Peer Mentoring? Posted on Feb 07, 2021 Peer mentoring is a relationship between people of the same age, career stage, or ability in which a more experienced person (peer mentor) helps guide and support a less experienced person (peer mentee). However, over a period, peer mentoring blends the vivid line that is divided between the peer me... Read more
	How to Ask for Donations Posted on Feb 07, 2021 Asking for donations is something that transforms people into a bundle of nerves! But because it is the staff of life for nonprofits, it just cannot be neglected. We understand this to its core and that is the reason we have compiled a list of 8 tips to ask for donations for a fundraiser. 8 Tips to ... Read more
	Fundraising Trends 2021: Latest Trends for Nonprofits Posted on Jan 31, 2021 As 2020 comes to an end and we see 2021 on the horizon, it is time for nonprofits to gear up and plan their fundraising for the coming year. 2020 has taught us the important lesson of being “agile", in other words, having the ability to adapt to the circumstances. Nonprofits cannot afford to ignor... Read more
	Types of Charitable Donations and Its Benefits Posted on Jan 31, 2021 “In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity.”While charity is a beautiful emotion, one can hit two targets with a single stone by making charitable donations in 2021 and avoiding hefty taxes at the same time. There is no question as to why giving is important... Read more
	How to Create a Virtual Auction: The Ultimate Guide to Set Up Posted on Dec 31, 2020 Auctions are the bread and butter of nonprofits. With this nonprofit sector facing challenges like never before, it’s time to step up the game by experimenting and exploring new options. And what better way than organizing virtual auctions? With charity auctions having made a substantial achieveme... Read more
	Best Way To Create Virtual Event: The Ultimate Guide Posted on Dec 18, 2020 We are in the last few days of 2020. What a year it has been! While we awaited the year to bring us some of the most revolutionary technologies, the year has brought us the pandemic! However, the overall change that was expected has almost remain unchanged-in the sense that the concept of normal has... Read more
	TEXT-TO-GIVE – The Modern and Trending Way to Raise Funds Posted on Oct 13, 2020 In this blog, we will dive deeper to understand What is Text-To-Give for nonprofits, How it works, why Text-To-Give is becoming so popular, what are the benefits of Text-To-Give and how iConnectX subscribed nonprofits can take advantage of this great nonprofit tool.So, let start with What is Text-To... Read more
	Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits - Online Events Posted on Apr 17, 2020 Online virtual fundraising for nonprofits is currently trending as an alternative to traditional fundraising tools. As people are more inclined towards online activity due to the current health concerns and many other reasons; saving time, money, effort, and overall, it is easier to participate, the... Read more
	Fundraising for Coronavirus: Create Virtual Events Posted on Apr 07, 2020 Coronavirus or COVID-19 is spreading at such a pace that the number of cases in some areas are doubling each week. So far, over 6.9 million cases of the novel coronavirus have been officially declared globally, with around 410,000 deaths, leaving many in the critical condition fighting for their lif... Read more
	What is Coronavirus and Fundraising for COVID-19 Posted on Mar 27, 2020 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a deadly and infectious disease affected by a newly discovered coronavirus. The coronavirus disease reportedly originated from Wuhan, the capital city of China’s Wuhan province.Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus experiencing mild to moderate respiratory ... Read more
	Ideas for Empowering Your Volunteers to Make the Most of Holiday Fundraising Posted on Dec 11, 2019 As a nonprofit fundraiser, you know that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year is one of the most important times to fundraise. After all, 30 percent of all donations are made in the month of December. And you’re likely feeling the pressure to meet your yearly fundraising goal… or raise a... Read more
	How to be a Subject Matter Expert in your Favorite Cause Posted on Dec 11, 2019 It’s wonderful to be passionate about a cause. It’s good for you and for the world.Since you are giving-minded, we at iConnectX want to plant a seed. There’s another level of commitment and awareness that’s good for you, for the world, and your career. It’s a commitment to immerse yourself... Read more
	Make #GivingTuesday Work for Your Nonprofit Posted on Nov 20, 2019 We're here to help you to make the most of #GivingTuesday, no matter what resources you have available. Get in touch with us for a toolkit and/or support to use iConnectX as part of #GivingTuesday activities. hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "6391071", formId: "1426d1f0-3e58-4f70-ad... Read more
	How to Succeed in Business When No One Can Pronounce Your Name Posted on Nov 08, 2019 Varchasvi Shankar is President and CEO of iConnectX, as well as an IT entrepreneur who has built V2Soft into a multi-million-dollar, global operation serving Fortune 500 companies. He grew up in Mysore in the state of Karnataka, India.“My hope is that we will soon swap out the lens in which we use... Read more
	Tips to Make Nonprofit’s Fundraising Campaign More Engaging Posted on Oct 25, 2019 We are nearing the end of 2019 and the holiday season is fast approaching. This is the time when people think of donating to charities and becoming a part of philanthropic activities. Nonprofits can benefit by organizing fundraising campaigns at this time because there will be better participation i... Read more
	How Fundraising Is Evolving: Digital Fundraising Trends Posted on Oct 25, 2019 Fundraising has come a long way from the traditional in-person giving to online giving. Giving through digital platforms has opened new doors for donors and simplified donating. And, it comes as no surprise that the number of people involved in philanthropic activities is on a rise. Giving grew by 4... Read more
	Embracing Technology and Automation in Fundraising Posted on Oct 25, 2019 Bid adieu to paper bid sheets, donation forms, and all the hassles that complicate fundraising! Embrace technology and automation in fundraising and give your donors a new and better experience!Technology and Automation are more than buzzwords. They have transformed our lives in more ways than one. ... Read more
	6 Ways to Keep Donors Engaged in Economically Uncertain Times Posted on Sep 20, 2019 History would have us believe that philanthropy has been impacted deeply by the economic uncertainties in a region. Although the US economy seems comfortably placed at present, uncertain economic conditions are expected in the next quarter. These conditions are sure to impact giving and make donor r... Read more
	What Nonprofits Need to Know About IRS Form 990? Posted on Sep 13, 2019 All nonprofits that are exempt from federal income tax are required to file form 990. 990 form ensures that the charity conducts its business in a manner that is aligned to its public responsibilities. Form 990 is a document that can be easily accessed by the public. It helps them understand the non... Read more
	Why People Donate Money to Charity Posted on Sep 11, 2019 “We make a living by what we get and we make a life by what we give.”- Winston ChurchillAmericans gave $427.71 billion to charity in 2018! And, the good news is that giving is on a rise globally. This is a positive sign for society.Most individuals and corporates are associating with charities i... Read more
	Are Charity and Philanthropy Different? Posted on Sep 09, 2019 Charity comes from the Old French word, charitté, meaning mercy, compassion, alms, etc. In late old English, it grew along with the Church. A charitable act was, therefore, intrinsically tied to the Christian ideas regarding poverty. Its meaning emerged as “benevolence for the poor”. It became ... Read more
	Coaching vs Mentoring - What is the Difference Posted on Sep 09, 2019 Coaching and mentoring are often used and interpreted interchangeably, especially in business contexts. However, there exists a difference between the two. It is important to note and be aware of this difference in order to enable organizations and individuals to rightly choose between the two. Depe... Read more
	Giving Back Has Never Been Easier! Posted on Sep 09, 2019 Randy Lewis, the author of ‘No Greatness Without Goodness,’ states that all people, including companies, have the duty to make the world a better place. He began a movement that pushed Walgreens to hire differently abled people. It is important to do charity and to give back to people from diffe... Read more
	How to Raise Awareness for a Cause? Posted on Sep 09, 2019 Raising awareness for a cause you care about is extremely important. Raising awareness for important causes allows more people to become aware of an issue you care about. This increases community engagement with the cause. It leads to more charitable donations, volunteer time and can make a huge dif... Read more
	Online Fundraising Websites to Raise Money Posted on Sep 09, 2019 Donating to charity has become easier than before, especially with the advent of technology and the internet. We are constantly connected and can do most things without looking up from our phones. But this cellular technology can be used to help create a better society. Often, people choose not to h... Read more
	The Importance of Mentor Posted on Sep 09, 2019 "A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you."-Bob Proctor Mentoring is when an individual shares his experience, skills, and knowledge to guide another to shape his future. The purpose of mentoring is to advise, guid... Read more
	Does Volunteering Makes A Difference? Posted on Sep 09, 2019 Many of us want to give back to society in some way. Volunteering is one way of doing it, but we may wonder does volunteering make a difference? This can be answered by Margret Mead’s quote which says, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; inde... Read more
	How do you Ask Someone to be Your Mentor? Posted on Jul 02, 2019 “A lot of people put pressure on themselves and think it will be way too hard for them to live out their dreams. Mentors are there to say, “Look it’s not that tough. It’s not as hard as you think. Here are some guidelines and things I have gone through to get to where I am in my career.”- ... Read more
	How to Become an Effective Philanthropist and Do Your Part for a Better World Posted on Jun 19, 2019 Philanthropy is any act that is performed for the betterment of humanity. Philanthropy is derived from “Philos” which means loving and “Anthropos” meaning humankind.Acts of philanthropy are not done with the motive of generating a profit. Philanthropic giving is on a steady rise as donors ac... Read more
	Tips on Starting a Nonprofit Organization Posted on Jun 04, 2019 “At the most fundamental level, it is an honor to serve at whatever type and size of organization you are privileged to lead, whether it is for-profit or nonprofit. It is an honor to serve! Starting from that it is important to have a compelling vision and a comprehensive plan.”- Alan Mulally ... Read more
	Best Online Fundraising Auction Platform for Charity Posted on May 23, 2019 The Dictionary defines auction as a public sale where goods are sold to the highest bidder. With the initiation of the internet, auctions have also become digital, implying that they are held online. An online auction is one where the sellers sell and buyers bid for products using their browser or ... Read more
	Giving Trends for Nonprofit in 2019 Posted on Apr 26, 2019 2017 was the year that witnessed peak giving and the positive trend in giving continued in 2018 as well (2018 recording a 4.1% increase over 2017, according to Nonprofit fundraising statistics 2019), here you can find the Top 10 most generous donors of 2017 in the USA. As we tread into 2019, factors... Read more
	Why Technology is a Must Have for Non-profits Posted on Apr 22, 2019 Most nonprofits are driven by their mission and focus on objectives such as fundraising, staff and volunteers, and other initiatives while technology takes a backseat. Technological innovations are updated on shoestring budgets in many nonprofits. Although 94% of donors are looking to donate using s... Read more
	How to Plan a Successful Nonprofit Event? Posted on Mar 28, 2019 A non-profit event offers an opportunity for the non-profit to interact with the community. It is your window to the world where you can put your best foot forward and benefit from monetary and non-monetary gains. Monetary gains entail donations for your charity and non-monetary gains imply nurturin... Read more
	Why Nonprofits Consider Holding Charity Auctions – Online Events? Posted on Mar 28, 2019 A traditional charity auction is one where people bid for goods or services. The product or service is sold to the highest bidder and the proceeds from the auction are given to a specific cause or project. A successful charity auction has the potential for substantial fundraising.Any nonprofits can ... Read more
	How to Find a Good Mentor? Posted on Mar 26, 2019 Mentoring is empowering young people to develop personally and professionally to their full potential with the help of a mentor. The mentor empowers the mentee by sharing his skills, knowledge, and experience in the field Why is mentoring required? In the current times, mentoring has become releva... Read more
	6 Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofit to Get More Donors All Year Posted on Mar 26, 2019 Philanthropy, at one time, was thought to be a domain of the extremely affluent class of the society. The middle class was not very inclined towards it. However, the approach of the middle class towards philanthropy has undergone a radical change in the recent past. The stats would have us believe t... Read more
	List of Best Charities to Donate to in 2021 Posted on Apr 17, 2020 Are you looking for the best charities to donate to in the 2021? You can raise funds to nonprofits in many ways like online donations, participation in online auctions organizing by nonprofits, text giving, volunteering or more. Before moving to find the good nonprofits, here are some interesting fa... Read more
	Starting Your Fundraising Campaign: 3 Ideas to Make it Successful Posted on Sep 20, 2018 Do you want to know how to start fundraising campaign successfully for charities? As a charity or nonprofit, fundraising is one of your most important jobs. Without the proper funding and resources, you won't be able to support the causes you stand behind, nor can you begin to make that global ... Read more
	Building Your Prospect List: 3 Tips for Nonprofits Posted on Sep 14, 2018 When you're launching a new campaign – or even a completely new nonprofit, for that matter – initial lead generation can be hard. You know you need to get your cause in front of the right people – the movers, shakers, and donors who can make a difference – but how do you identify who tho... Read more
	3 Tips to Improve Your Fundraising through Great Storytelling Posted on Sep 10, 2018 Great storytelling can help you succeed in any stream of business. Whether you’re looking to sell a product, sign someone up for a service or even fundraising activity for charitable donations, a strong story that evokes emotion and strikes a connection with the consumer is the way to do it. N... Read more
	Why Storytelling is Important to Your Nonprofit Posted on Sep 10, 2018 Storytelling isn't just for the books. As a nonprofit, sharing your story, as well as the stories of those you help, your donors, and those who work for you, can have a major impact on your success as an organization. Whether it's posting a video testimonial to your Facebook page, letting a d... Read more
	It's Not Just About Money - Other Reasons Why Fundraising is Important Posted on Sep 10, 2018 While the ultimate goal of fundraising is to raise money, it should really be about more than that - at least if long-term viability is on your radar. Sure, you need cash to keep your organization up and running, as well as to support your charitable efforts and causes, but fundraising can ... Read more
	3 Ways Executives Can More Efficiently Use Their Time for Mentoring Posted on Sep 10, 2018 Most executives have a desire to mentor. It helps encourage growth within their own organizations, and it gives them a sense of fulfillment – putting their hard-won skills and talents to good use. But mentoring is also time-consuming, and often, if the mentee isn’t fully engaged &... Read more
	3 Challenges that Every Charity or Nonprofit Faces When Fundraising Posted on Aug 17, 2018 Fundraising is your organization’s lifeblood. It’s what allows you to achieve your mission, help others and keep bringing in more resources to fund those efforts further. But coming by those funds? That’s not easy feat. Today’s consumers are inundated with opportunities to giv... Read more
	What Charities Can Do in the Era of Social Media Posted on Aug 14, 2018 Social media can be a powerful tool in today’s digital society - especially for non-profits and charities. Not only can social tools help you engage and connect with your existing supporters, but they also provide a quick and easy way to raise awareness for your cause. Plus, with the ease... Read more
	The Value of Mentors: Learn From Mistakes, Without Making Them Yourself Posted on Jul 19, 2018 We all make mistakes – that’s undeniable. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s also what allows us to learn, grow and improve ourselves – both personally and professionally. But what if you could get those same benefits, without suffering the consequences and frustratio... Read more
	How to Choose Which Charity to Support Posted on Jul 19, 2018 Deciding to support a charity is one thing, but choosing which charity is deserving of your time, money and effort? That’s a whole different ball game. There are thousands upon thousands of charities out there, aiming to alleviate everything from childhood hunger or homelessness to heartw... Read more
	How Mentoring Improves Your Performance as an Executive Posted on Jul 19, 2018 When it comes to mentoring, the benefits to the mentee are pretty obvious. They get expert guidance from a proven pro, personalized advice about their specific career and goals, and most importantly, connections with higher-ups in their organization and across their industry. It's a slam dunk in... Read more
	Executives Want to Donate to Charity: These 3 Hurdles Are Stopping Them Posted on Jun 26, 2018 Executives Want to Donate to Charity: These 3 Hurdles Are Stopping Them Most busy executives want to donate to the charities and causes they care about – but actually making it happen? Well, that’s another story. Facing jam-packed schedules, a tenuous work-life balance and all kinds of... Read more
	How to Find A Mentor That Matches Your Needs Posted on Jun 26, 2018 A mentor can be invaluable. They can guide you toward the right career path, share their hard-won experiences with you, and give you sage advice to help you on your journey. They may even open doors to new opportunities or jobs. But in order to offer all these amazing benefits? They fir... Read more
	Why Corporate Mentoring Programs are Not Enough Posted on Jun 21, 2018 Why Corporate Mentoring Programs are Not Enough Lots of corporations have in-house mentoring programs, and while the idea behind them is honorable, in the long run, they’re more beneficial for the organization than the actual individuals being mentored. The company gets free trai... Read more
	Got Goals? 4 Ways A Mentor Can Help You Reach Them Posted on Jun 15, 2018 Don’t have a mentor? You need one. And fast. Mentors are invaluable. No matter your position, industry or career trajectory, they’re often the missing link between you and your goals. The last rung on the ladder to penultimate success. Whether you’re tackling an on-the-job chall... Read more
	Watch Out For These Signs Of A Bad Mentoring Relationship Posted on Jun 15, 2018 There’s nothing worse than a bad mentoring arrangement. Already strapped for time and zapped of energy, you shouldn’t be devoting yourself to anything that’s not of value -- both to you and your mentee -- especially given your hard-earned talent, skills, and experience. But how do... Read more
	Networking Challenges All Professionals Face Posted on May 18, 2018 Networking is vital to long-term career success. After all, how can you find bigger, better jobs, learn new skills or gain unique perspectives if you never venture outside that same, familiar bubble of colleagues and coworkers you’ve always had? The answer is you can’t. But as importan... Read more
	3 Ways Executives Can Make Time for Meaningful Mentoring Posted on May 18, 2018 Mentoring offers value for both parties. On the mentee’s end, they get expert-level guidance from a seasoned veteran and a clearer pathway toward professional success. And on the mentor’s side, there’s the chance to reflect on accomplishments and lessons learned, as well as meet u... Read more
	Top 10 Most Generous Donors of 2017 in U.S. Posted on Jan 08, 2018 During 2017, philonthrophists, American individuals, estates, foundations and corporations across U.S. have donated a whopping sum of $390.05 Billion. The generoucity index of individuals giving to charity is growing exponentially YoY. Find out some of those top 10 most generous donors o... Read more