As that subsidy comes to an end, GiveMN’s technology platform provider Razoo has announced a partnership with Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, enabling GiveMN to offer a 2.9 percent processing fee to all nonprofits.  This rate is substantially lower than most existing online donation sites and is the result of a deal with U.S. Bank whereby some fees are waived for this cause.

“We are thrilled that our partnership with Razoo will allow our Minnesota nonprofits and donors to benefit from this great rate,” said Dana Nelson, Executive Director of GiveMN, in a press release yesterday.

The new structure will be in place in time for this year’s Give to the Max Day 2010 to be held on November 16. During last year’s Give to the Max Day, over $14 million was raised on behalf of 3,400 charitable causes.

Round Earth Media was founded six years ago by two veteran journalists, Mary Stucky and Mary Losure. This is not your typical news source. While Stucky and the Board of Directors reside in Minnesota, they operate via completely virtual means. That means no office, no local news room and contributors spread across the globe.

The telecommuting allows journalists to cover important local issues with global implications normally missed by the mainstream media. “Journalism is good at today’s — not every day’s — news,” said Stucky. “We are investing in the next generation, as well as ourselves.” And that not only means the next generation of journalism, but the next generation of journalists.

Round Earth gives special attention to developing 25- to 35-year-old writers. These younger writers are paired with experienced journalists and sent on assignments around the world. They’ve covered everything from the environmental implications of gold mining in El Salvador to Hmong culture throughout Minnesota (the latter which helped Stucky win a Peabody award).

Round Earth’s award-winning, high-quality stories have been broadcast on major public radio and TV stations nationwide. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has also taken notice and provided a capacity-building grant to scale the organization even further.

Round Earth operates as a nonprofit and is constantly exploring new transformational models for sustainable global journalism, including innovative entrepreneurial and media collaborations.

When researching the best approach to bringing e-philanthropy to Minnesota in a meaningful way, rather than re-invent, GiveMN.org opted to partner with DC-based Razoo who had already developed a scalable platform-complete with payment processing integration through Network for Good.  The result is a privately labeled version, specifically targeted towards the Minnesota Non-profit and donor community, which offered brand visibility across both sites.  Further exemplifying the collaborative spirit, Nelson and her colleagues then helped to form strategic relationships with the Minnesota philanthropy community (at large), acknowledging that “Others could have gone out and built their own means of raising money online directly for their specific purpose, but group buy-in was necessary for this to work on the larger level and thankfully this was widely understood.”

Click. Contribute. Change your world.

GiveMN.org features a database of every registered Non-profit nationwide and promotes those local to Minnesota. The service allows prospective donors to effortlessly browse the site for Non-profits and niche fundraisings, while individual pages/causes can be created on the fly. From here, donors can make single credit card transactions ($10 minimum, no maximum) or create an account to track their ongoing “strategic donations” and log receipts. “Just keeping all that data in one spot is a handy service for busy donors,” says Nelson.

From the recipients perspective, whether they be full-fledged Non-profits or shorter-term initiatives, GiveMN.org is a priceless asset to the marketing department of any social organization. “For many Non-profits, just marketing via e-mail can be a big leap; we took that a few steps further by providing the tools and techniques to serve as an onramp to social media and Internet marketing for those who don’t have strong dedicated resources to the online world,” says Nelson, who see’s GiveMN.org as the ideal solution.  “Minnesota’s legacy of giving is incredible. The Minnesota Council on Foundations reports that individual giving is a four billion dollar per year market in Minnesota alone,” says Nelson, adding “GiveMN.org exists to providing the most efficient way for Minnesota Non-profits to raise funds online.”

GiveMN.org has been financially supported through various parties interested in advancing the mission, including: Greater TC United Way, the Otto Bremer Foundation and the Minneapolis & St. Paul Foundations.  To date, the organization has been covering the 4.75% transaction fee it pays-out to various payment processing agencies, thus passing 100% of gross donations received onto the receiving organization.  However, starting in October, the intent is to start to pay transactional fee’s out of the donations received.

While November 2nd, 2009 marked the official launch of GiveMN.org, the real party was two weeks later (Nov 17) when this little known Non-profit venture set the single day fundraising record by raising over $14m on behalf of some 3,400 different charitable causes.  Thanks in part to local PR firm Padilla Speer Beardsley, the nationwide “Give to The Max Day” immediately put GiveMN.org on the e-philanthropy map.   Through a simple, yet thoughtful media campaign, GiveMN.org leveraged multiple traditional and social media channels to tap an otherwise elusive donor base: those who don’t consider the the typical mailer/checkbook system when making donation decisions. “Having a single day of giving was an easy message to share and spread amongst individual peer and professional networks…it was so simple and tweetworthy,” Nelson mentions in reference to the networked effect.  And viral it was-permeating the Twittersphere and Facebook circles though “celebrity cause” pages by the likes of Will Steger, Tim Mahony, Senator Norm Coleman and Mayor R.T. Rybak . Meanwhile, “tweet meets” fostered friendly bursts of competition as momentum gathered throughout the day.

If last years Give to The Max Day was the splash, then the ripple continues; one recent success was raising over $33k for the Wadena Tornado Relief Fund in June. News is already surfacing of GiveMN.org’s 2010 Give to The Max Day – now set for Tuesday, November 16th.  Like any worthwhile accomplishment, the challenge is often raising the (internal) bar–time and time again.  Can they top last years record?  We wouldn’t put anything past the power of technology as a force of good.

Send your Minnesota Non-profit/social tech tips and stories to Tristan.Pollock@Tech.MN

Now, thanks to a partnership with Genesys Works, these three Minnesota technology companies (amongst other orgs) have a means of giving back to Twin Cities’ teens by providing real world technology skills.

Genesys Works helps inner-city high school students join the economic mainstream through technical training and meaningful internship with large companies. “We provide an unparalleled opportunity including a year-long work internship and eight-weeks of pre-job training,” explains Genesys Works Executive Director Jeff Tollefson. “It is not a job shadow.”

The aim is that these students will get a taste of what they are capable of in today’s ever increasing technology-dependent world. Students have done everything from PC development and imaging to configuring servers and IT help desk (which is part of the job description for three Richfield students placed at Best Buy headquarters).

Currently Genesys Works Twin Cities is in its third year and has grown from sixteen students in 2008 to 102 in 2010. “95-percent of students go onto college and 75-percent are succeeding (graduating in a four-six year plan),” Tollefson says. “We provide students with help on college applications, finding scholarships and FAFSA.”

Started in Houston, the potential for Genesys Works’ success is seemingly endless and cities across America are calling for further scaling.  The nonprofit was even praised by U.S. President Barack Obama in a recent speech.  Below is a short video produced by the St. Paul school district highlighting the effectiveness of Genesys Works:

MAP TechWorks is a new Web tool — created by nonprofit catalyst MAP for Nonprofits — through which nonprofit practitioners can tell their technology stories and share tips and advice. It’s but one example of how the Minnesota nonprofit community has torn down the barriers of information transfer and begun to create a new trend of coming together for the bigger picture. “We can give a voice to organizations who are experts at what they do, and through those voices others are able to learn and make expedited progress for the causes that they’re dedicated to.” says MAP for Nonprofits IT Manager,  Rick Birmingham.

Stories are told via one-on-one videos recorded at conferences and offices by MAP Video Production Coordinator, Ben Hanson. “I’m amazed by the generosity and hospitality of the contributors,” Hanson explained. “It shows me that they are eager for an outlet.”

Interviewees are typically asked these five questions:

• What’s working?
• What’s been a challenge?
• How did you address any issues?
• What were the associated costs?
• What would you recommend?

With a total of over 240 videos from nonprofit leaders across the state, advice ranges from social networking to hiring a developer to donor management systems and beyond. Video submissions are not limited to Minnesota-based organizations and anyone can submit their technology learnings for consideration, or ask to be interviewed.

As MAP TechWorks grows, so does the community of organizational and individual changemakers addressing the need for more collaboration. In the years to come, sharing of best practices will be all the more necessary to stay up-to-date with the everchanging technology environment. To learn more visit MAPTechWorks.org or join the Nonprofit Tech Talk email discussion.

Do Something focuses on providing adolescent leaders with the tools need to enact change in their communities. $500 Do Something Seed Grants are awarded weekly to jump-start program ideas. $500 Do Something Growth Grants are also awarded weekly and are open to youth who have created a sustainable community action project, program or organization and want to grow it. One of the latest Seed Grant winners was James Coenen for his plan to supply his 400-student school with organic vegetables and herbs, home-grown in the school’s very own garden. Do Something also provides a database of scholarships, grants and awards that are open for applications.

At the end of the fourth round of giving, the @15 Exchange fund has now donated $1 million in community-appropriated funding to youth-empowering nonprofits through its online networking and voting system. Other top point-earners in the competition include Genesys Works and Project Girl in round one, Ashoka’s Youth Venture in round two, and DonorsChoose.org in round three. The next four organizations that will be considered for member voting are the Boys & Girls Club, Dollars for Scholars, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Make sure the youth in your life don’t miss out on the action.

A social past
I became involved in the field of social enterprise and entrepreneurship about two years ago and have only looked back to realize how much happier I am.  As volunteerism and civic engagement flourishes in Minnesota, there are more not-for-profit organizations and for-profit social ventures than ever before.  We are also beginning to see how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays an increasing role of respecting community stakeholders. Social entrepreneurs are rising-both within Minnesota and across the country. Partnerships like Ashoka’s Youth Venture and Best Buy’s @15 are getting more young people involved. It seems the snowball effect is building momentum, creating positive change and real impact.

My first large role in this movement was at a nonprofit in Minneapolis. I had heard an inspiring story (one of many) and thus became involved as the Web Manager at the Hughes Foundation. They operate in the Twin Cites, Nagpur, India and Namibia, Africa with the goal to be a lifeline to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

I also write for and help to manage SocialEarth.org. SocialEarth is a news blog founded by two Minnesotans and focused on the promotion of social entrepreneurship across the globe. It also features resources for social entrepreneurs covering subjects such as funding, impact, PR, social media and strategy. Additionally, I work for Richfield-based BestBuy.com, which led me to get involved with BBSR (Best Buy Social Responsibility). This has given me yet another opportunity to examine the impact of technology and community development.

Optimistic future
As you probably could tell, I truly believe in social entrepreneurs and social enterprises helping create a better world. This generation seems to be more committed, more prepared and more resource-backed than ever before. It includes everyone — baby boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, everyone. I hope you enjoy following my posts as I take you into the 21st century’s technology age of social impact right here in your backyard.

Yesterday, an estimated 700 people from across the Minnesota Nonprofit spectrum gathered at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis for the 4th annual Nonprofit Technology & Communications Conference, presented by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) & MAP for Nonprofits.  This years theme, Remix*Refresh*Reload, was an experience full of technical programming, including: 28 breakout sessions spread ocross three phases of the day, a keynote by Katya Andresen, various vendor exhibits and focused “learning labs”.  The result was an abundance of relevant, high value content and instruction available from various industry practitioners whom either operate exclusively in in the nonprofit sector or alongside various social organizations.  While much of the emphasis was on website design/content strategy, social communications, (virtual) community development and fundraising -  some of the more niche topics covered mobile, cloud, GIS/mapping, and open data.

Honored at this event were seven groups using technology and communications in inspiring, effective and creative ways. The 2010 Dot.org winners are:

Pacer Center – Targeted Teaching Award

Pacer Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.  Pacer Center’s Teens Against Bullying won the Targeted Teaching Award for its interactive, thoughtful and compelling approach to bullying prevention education through its website content.

Metro Meals on Wheels – Fundraising and Friendraising Award

Metro Meals on Wheels, an association of 40 Meals on Wheels programs in the 7 county Twin Cities metro, leads the effort to make sure people in our community receive the nutritious meals and the human connection they need to help them live independently. Metro Meals on Wheels’ Meals on Heels project won the Fundraising and Friendraising Award for creating an event that targeted a new audience, while incorporating multiple uses of technology to promote the event and increase the guest experience.

GiveMN.org – Connecting to the MAX Award

GiveMN.org offers Minnesotans an easily accessible way to support the state’s nonprofit sector through online fundraising.  GiveMN.org’s “Give to the Max” won the Connecting to the MAX Award for its use of viral marketing and PR to launch a campaign that raised over 14 million for nonprofits around the state in under 24 hours.

District 202 -Virtual Reality Award

District 202 empowers LGBT youth through a combination of programs, face to face interaction throughout the Twin Cities and online engagement. District 202 won the Virtual Reality Award for using multiple web sites and SMS to create a virtual youth center and become a networked organization that provides programming across the metro area and Greater Minnesota for LGBT youth.

TC Bicycle Club – Going the Extra Mile Award

Twin Cities Bicycling Club (TCBC) is the largest recreational bicycling club in the metro area,  primarily run by volunteers who plan rides and events for members and nonmender riders with a range of skill levels. TCBC won the Going the Extra Mile Award for its data integration project, which utilized hundreds of volunteer hours to move their database online and integrate it with Club’s website for a much more user friendly experience.

Morrison County Historical Society – Nifty and Thrifty Award

The Morrison County Historical Society preserves artifacts and historical information about Morrison County, and works to educate the public about the history of the county.  Their use of free CMS software to build a better web presence won it the Nifty and Thrifty Award for illustrating how small organizations can change from static websites run by one person to a dynamic site that all staff can work with.

Wellstone Action! – E-Organizing Award

Wellstone Action! provides training and leadership development to win change in the progressive tradition of Paul and Sheila Wellstone.  Wellstone Action’s online organizing won the E-Organizing Award for being a leader in using social media and other web tools to offer rapid-response commentaries on significant events in the progressive movement, and for taking information one step further by using maps and other data visualization techniques to tell a story about data.

“From 9 a.m. Saturday until 9 a.m. Sunday, 159 volunteer web developers will donate more than 3,800 hours of professional services to 16 Minnesota nonprofit organizations selected for The Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge.

“For the third year in a row we openly challenged the entire Twin Cities web development community to force us into choosing only the 12 most qualified teams; after careful consideration we chose 16,” said Luke Bucklin, president of Nerdery Interactive Labs, a division of Twin Cities-based Sierra Bravo. “We at The Nerdery have never been more proud to be part of this awesome interactive community.”

These 16 web development teams will spend most of this weekend creating free websites for these nonprofits.”

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“What: Prior to the March 20-21 Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge, representatives from the 16 selected nonprofits and teams of volunteer web developers will gather Thursday, Feb 25 to prep for their 24-hour experience. http://www.overnightwebsitechallenge.com/

When: Thursday, Feb. 25, 6-9 p.m.: 6-7 – Group Q&A and brief advisory remarks from volunteers and nonprofits with previous Challenge experience; 7-8:20 – Speed-dating; needy meets nerdy as volunteers make the rounds to visit reps from each nonprofit for five minutes; 8:20-9 – Social time

Who: http://www.overnightwebsitechallenge.com/nonprofits
http://www.overnightwebsitechallenge.com/teams

Where: Benchmark Learning (event sponsors) 510 West 77^th St. in Edina, MN”

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