Sean Sullivan

Social media, online fundraising, going to the dentist — these are all things that tend to scare traditional fundraisers regardless of age. It’s often believed that older professionals are reluctant to embrace new technology. But that shouldn’t be the case. This new medium is cost-effective and environmentally responsible. It gives nonprofits nontraditional ways to acquire, profile and cultivate donors and new constituents. When a fan/user/friend retweets you, promotes or fundraises for your cause, your organization has the access to his or her personal information, given the user's privacy settings allow for it. Social media helps you learn more than you currently know or have on your housefile from traditional direct-mail or special-event donors.