Attended ephilanthropy.org’s eTour this morning which focused on how to use online strategies for fundraising, advocacy and engaging constituents.  Outgoing director Ted Hart offered a summary of ‘ephilanthropy 101,’ followed by Charles Riess (of RSM McGladsey, who hosted event), Blackbaud’s Steven MacLaughlin and Convio’s Bob Evans.

When it was suggested that nonprofits develop a specific online plan, I suggested that an online plan is useless unless it incorporates offline strategies.  However, this becomes difficult when offline and online responsibilities are handled by different departments that aren’t accustomed to working together.

When I retitled my blog, ‘Bridging Development and Technology’ earlier this year, I omitted an important part of the equation – Marketing & Communications.   For an organization to take full advantage of the ephilanthropy techniques described today, it’s important that Marketing/Communications partner with Development while using Technology tools. I am building a new web site at www.nonprofitbridge.com where I will further describe how this can be done.

Another worthwhile point: Every activity should drive traffic to your web site.  In addition to regularly updating content, it’s important for the web site to be a part of any organization initiative to attract and engage constituents.

Finally, it was suggested that organizations clearly list their objectives before selecting products and vendors.  I asked: so why do many nonprofits base their decisions strictly on ‘connections’ or on products they’ve used at other organizations?  After all, any vendor can fit the bill when you don’t know what your requirements are.

There are many ways to join the Web 2.0 world.  As was suggested by more than one speaker today, it’s better to start something and learn from your mistakes than to wait endlessly while you plan the ‘perfect’ solution.