Internet penetration still has some way to go to reach full intensity in American households. Broadband services are projected to account for an ever-increasing share of domestic Internet users, rising to 118.7 million by 2012. With such figures projected there is likelihood that even more users will join social networking sites so the potential for fundraising online is infinite .
Already the American Red Cross uses the Internet as a tool for communication about events, requirements and disaster status around the world, as well as locally. It provides means to donate a car online so that any vehicle donation could be completed within two days of making a call, sometimes less if the auto donation is local to the collection service, perhaps twenty-fours hours from logging on and actually making the call to place an auto donation in some cases. Browsers can be kept up to date with any change in the schedule for visits from the blood mobile, first aid training classes or life-saving classes. Making life easy for volunteers and donors is something the ARC is very good at. Not only do they make life easy for you but also if you make donations either as cash or from a car donation you are entitled to claim back a percentage in tax . That can be a consideration for some people who are wondering whether they should donate a car or not, being tax deductible means you have some return for your generosity.
The figures mentioned at the beginning of this article – an increase of 118.7 million using broadband – could mean a massive increase in potential finances if appeals are part of an effective multi-media campaign. Instant connection to the Internet rather than having to wait for the snail pace dial-up services does mean that people spend more time surfing the web and may also mean they visit many more sites. During and aimless hour of internet surfing a potential donor or volunteer may come across the ARC website , it can benefit the organization, whether it is a simple auto donation or a black-tie affair .