Online sponsorship utilizes modern technology to help people raise money for charities across the globe. In a sponsorship, an individual, group, or organization promises to give money to an individual or charity in exchange for completion of a specific task. The online element comes from using the Internet as a medium for setting up and executing the sponsorship.
Traditional sponsorship centers on individuals asking friends, relatives, co-workers, and even strangers to contribute an amount of money to a cause or event. There are almost limitless possibilities for sponsorship events and challenges. A common example of such a sponsorship is a marathon that raises money for a charitable organization. Individuals who participate donate money gathered through sponsorship to the organization. Many other similar types of sponsorships exist.
Sponsored events raise money in several different ways. In some cases, sponsors promise a certain fee if an individual completes a challenge or event. Sometimes, the fee may vary based on how successful the sponsored individual is in the event; for example, a certain amount of money may be promised per mile run or based on the time spent performing the task. This allows individuals to raise more money if they do well in the sponsored event.
Using the Internet can simplify the sponsorship process. Online sponsorship allows the person seeking sponsorship to communicate effectively with the sponsors. By creating an e-mail database or website, the individual can keep in touch more quickly and effectively. Some individuals may use weblogs, or blogs, to update sponsors on long-term challenges.
Internet-based payment programs and systems allow the sponsors to send payments quickly, easily, and safely upon completion of the event or activity. These methods allow use of credit cards or direct debit payments. Furthermore, online sponsorship payments can be made automatically. By organizing online sponsorship, individuals will find it easier to move money from the sponsors to their chosen charity.
Social networking sites have become important to the online sponsorship process. They make it easier to share information about an event or activity, or to solicit sponsors. Such sites have also helped certain causes and charitable events gain wider recognition and sponsorship. Individuals may even create special pages or groups to advertise their event, and can easily create links to related organizations and charities.