There’s no denying it – America loves Facebook. All the fun and constant interaction has us connected in more ways than ever imaginable. We are each other’s life commentators, relationship advisers, and sometimes stalkers.
So when it comes to all things charitable, how do you show what you care about?
I’ve seen my friends use Facebook in many creative ways – and I also have the fortunate experience of working at StudioGood where we manage lots of big brands’ Facebook pages.
There are so many ways express yourself, gather support, and find others who care about the same thing. Whether you’re just looking to do some ‘digital’ good or you want to gather support for your local fundraiser; using Facebook as a means to support charities is the way to go.
Playing off Mashable’s post on social media last year, here are my top 10 ways of supporting charities on Facebook!
1. Interact with Charities
Most charities have Facebook pages, and if they don’t – they will soon. Show your support by commenting, writing a nice message on their wall, and inviting others to “like” the page. If you’re wanting to take it a step further, ask to get special privileges by becoming an “admin” of the page. Chances are, the folks behind the charities page are doing 5 million other jobs in the organization, so anything you can do to support their efforts would be much appreciated.
Some of my favorite pages include Bright Pink, Alex’s Lemonade, LA’s Best, Give a Dam Campaign, Friends of Heart Castle, and To Write Love on Her Arms.
2. Add the Causes Application
The causes application is the standard application for displaying a charity you care about, and getting others to join in. The effectiveness of the app isn’t as important as what is stands for; lots of people coming together to support a charity by performing lots of small actions.
Find a charity on Facebook Causes now.
3. Embed a WhatGives!? PayPal Donation App
You know I had to say it! That’s right, our WhatGives!? PayPal Donation App has become one of my favorite ways of supporting a charity on Facebook – because it’s so easy and so fun. All you have to do is head over to our App building page, where you can build your own fundraising App. You can also find charities using the App and copy it right over to your Facebook page.
Some of my favorite WhatGives!? PayPal Apps on Facebook include The River of Hope Foundation, Alex’s Lemonade, and The National Museum of Hip-Hop,
4. Organize a Fundraiser Using Facebook Events
A college buddy of mine has a streaking event with a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Foundation, and each year he uses Facebook events to organize the event, get people rallied, and announce important information like t-shirt sales. It’s an easy and non-intrusive way of getting people to talk about an event, even when it’s before or after the actual day.
5. Change your Profile Picture for a Week
Whether it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month or you just have a special charity you want to raise awareness for; uploading a special profile picture to show your support is the ultimate conversation starter. Although it’s a small thing in the long run, it still counts and is a great way to show you care.
6. Get Involved with Big Brands That are Doing Good
Although they may be there to market a product, lots of brands are on Facebook to do good — and the best part is that they make it as easy as possible for you to want to get involved. You can contribute to good causes without opening your wallet – and sometimes they get your charity radar going with cool prizes for doing good.
Some of my favorite do-gooder brands on Facebook include Kellogg Cares, Pepsi Refresh, Kelly Confidential by Electrolux*, Make Time for Change by Frigidaire*, Nature Valley, Chase Community Bank, and Revlon.
7. Send a Charity Gift
You know when you go to write on your friends wall for her birthday and you see those little gifts that pop up below the place to write a message? There are options to send a charity gift there – which means a small donation to a charity. It’s a super easy way of saying Happy Birthday!!! with a charity twist.
8. SocialVibe it Up
Another great way to publically show your do-gooder efforts is to join the SocialVibe network – where you pick a cause and let your online actions take the wheel! Lots of Facebook related actions live within the SocialVibe network, and plus it’s a great way of connecting with other people interested in your cause, who are interested in the same activities as you.
Join SocialVibe on Facebook to get started.
9. Join Others Talking about Facebook for Good
If you can believe it, we’re not the only ones talking charity and Facebook. I try to keep up with as many pages, groups, and people talking about doing good on Facebook as I can. Even Facebook themselves opened up a page! There is so much good in the world – why not talk about it?
Some of my favorite Facebook pages for good include Facebook for Good, Non-Profits on Facebook, Beth Kanter’s Page, Weber Shandwick Social Impact, Social Media for Social Change, Facebook Marketing Solutions, and ours of course!
10. Tell Others About Your Charitable Efforts
Talking about last weekend’s rager or your latest crush is so 2009. Status updates about charity and volunteering? HOT! It shouldn’t just be a trend though – we should constantly be talking about the ways in which we’re all helping to make this world a better place – because we all are in our own little ways. It’s cool to care people!
Did I miss anything? Are you already doing all 10 of these things and want more? Leave me a comment or tweet, I’d love to hear from you!
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Tags: charity, Facebook, SocialVibe, WhatGives Widget
There are twenty new friends associated with fundraising for the National PTA who have to see this! Great timing and many thanks.