MyCharityPage, a new website billed as the sector's answer to Facebook, is being launched to enable charities to network with one another, engage supporters and fundraise more effectively.
The website encourages users to build profile pages explaining their fundraising activities. Each user is given their own URL so that friends and supporters can visit their web page directly to make donations. As with Facebook, users can also write blogs, upload photos and videos, add friends to their profiles, send private messages to other members and create and join groups.
Users can also raise money for their chosen causes by shopping online via the site, which provides links to high-street stores such as Argos, Dixons, Currys, Marks & Spencer and Body Shop. MyCharityPage will make donations based on the amount spent.
The sums raised by each user will be displayed on their profile page and continuously updated.
“There’s a real buzz around the launch of MyCharityPage,” said Adam Foyster, founder of the site. “It presents a real opportunity for charities to interact directly with thousands of new fundraisers.”
The website follows in the footsteps of Your Charity Space, which was launched by the Community Channel last year and is also a networking and fundraising site for charities, and Justgiving, which allows charity supporters to set up online fundraising pages.
To date, more than 300 charities have registered their interest in MyCharityPage. Another 100 charities are expected to come on board by the official launch in early January. Fundraisers and charities can register via the holding page.
