Edward Norton launches fundraising site

Fundraising takes on many methodologies from telephone donor campaigns such as the programs we at Miratel can manage, all the way to individuals who decide to take on a quest or a challenge to raise funds for the charity of their choice. When it comes to challenges running for a fundraising cause has long been one of the most popular ‘sponsored’ activities as for decades charity running/walking has raised significant funds for a broad range of non profits.  Typically in the past running for charity meant registering with a specific process but if you have ever wanted to run for a very specific charity that you elect it is suddenly far easier than ever before.

Edward Norton, the versatile actor who has starred in Fight Club and Rounders amongst many other films has started a project knows as ‘Crowdrise’ which allows people to launch their own unique fundraising campaign and share it with a larger audience. Norton was interviewed this week by the Wall Street Journal and explained the idea came to him last November immediately after he took part in the New York City Marathon. Norton had taken part in the run with a group of Maasai warriors to raise funds for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, as a result of online support the charity raised some US $1.2 million in support. The actor used twitter and social networking to raise awareness and merged the ideas of prizes for random individuals who took the time to donate. Crowdrise has evolved from that, allowing both participants or just acquaintances of those who run (for example…it’s not limited to running events) to launch a campaign. The enrollment on the site is free and participants can earn ponts as they use the system and then be entered into drawings for prizes. Norton’s profile is helping the project get a notable head-start as other actors such as Will Farrell and Jonah Hill have launched campaigns.

Most marathons or sponsored runs and walks are already firmly behind nominated charities – the primary difference with this project is that a runner can choose any charity of their choice. Unlike many other plans there is no goal to meet to assure donations such as a minimum number of sponsors, the runner him/herself can set all the parameters – if your goal is to raise $100 for a local cause the freedom to do so is there.

Diversity in fundraising options can only be a good thing and I’d anticipate seeing Crowdrise race ahead, to learn more visit their site or facebook page. To learn more about how Miratel can manage your telephone fundraising program please visit our site.