a5

Nonprofits as networks of help at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group a

magnify image Figure A5.1 VolunteerMatch uses the Web to help volunteers and nonprofit organizations find each other.

Background

This pattern forms the core of all nonprofit sites. Integrate other site genre patterns into a nonprofit site to expand its capabilities or use this pattern to add a charitable service to a VALUABLE COMPANY SITE (A7), PERSONAL E-COMMERCE (A1) site, NEWS MOSAIC (A2), GRASSROOTS INFORMATION SITE (A6), or EDUCATIONAL FORUM (A8).

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PROBLEM

Nonprofits rely on financial sponsors, volunteers, and staff members to benefit the needs of a client cause. If these groups are not brought together in a network, a major benefit of the Web is neglected.

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SOLUTION

magnify image FigureA4.4 Basic nonprofit sites provide compelling reasons for people to become financial sponsors, volunteers, staff members, and beneficiaries. To make the most of the network, a nonprofit site must help coordinate people around specific projects.

At a minimum, provide information that addresses the questions posed by financial sponsors, volunteers, staff members, and beneficiaries. To harness the power of the Web as a network, give people the ability to sign up for projects in a place where all team members can coordinate, participate, and record project developments for future reference.

Other Patterns to Consider

Build a site that provides program information targeted to your distinct audiences: financial sponsors, volunteers, staff, and beneficiaries. Provide MULTIPLE WAYS TO NAVIGATE (B1) to a CATEGORY PAGE (B8) for each audience, where you publish success stories and past accomplishments in CONTENT MODULES (D2) for easy updating. Keep your project calendar up-to-date. Give volunteers a CLEAR FORM (H10) and a PROCESS FUNNEL (H1) for signing up. Also place an E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION (E2) form on or just off of the HOMEPAGE PORTAL (C1) to make it easy for visitors to remain informed about events. Make your FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3) clear through a simple and understandable PRIVACY POLICY (E4).

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Pattern Resources

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