Fundraising for charitable organizations is a marketing function, not one that I specialize in but I do know a few people that do have those skills. When you are running a fundraising event, using the power of the Internet and social networking can help get the word out effectively.

My colleague in Vista Consulting, Bob Rentsch, is on the Board of the Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity and is running an auction to raise funds to help them achieve their mission to “build simple, decent, affordable homes to give low-income families in Central Massachusetts the opportunity for homeownership”.

Last week he found out that his online auction website was one of two dozen that is eligible for a donation from the company that makes the auction software. They will award a $2000 donation to the auction website that gets the most votes in an on-line poll.

Bob’s challenge – to get the word out about how to vote. “Friends and family” emails work, a posting on the website is good too, but Bob was searching for a way to get the message out to supporters. This is the perfect time to use social media marketing to communicate the message in a timely basis and engage the audience to help build momentum.

If you want to help a good cause, help get the word out as well. Plug the contest and send them to the auction web site link to vote for the Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity. Some family in Central Massachusetts will be forever grateful.