Do you have an idea that might help local non-profits fill the funding gap they’re facing? Charlotte Mission Possible, a collaborative reporting project by DavidsonNews.net and other local news outlets, wants to hear about it.
We’re putting out a call across the region, and across the internet, for solutions to the crisis brought on by the lousy economy, reduce charitable giving and cutbacks by big funding agencies like the United Way. We’re collecting those ideas through an unusual online idea search that seeks your input.
Charlotte Mission Possible, which includes the Charlotte Observer, WCNC Channel 36 and others, is working with a Charlotte-based company called Edison Nation, which produces the Public Broadcasting Series “Everyday Edisons.” That program invites the public to submit inventions, and it picks the best ones to help nurture through the development process.
In much the same way, we hope Charlotte Mission Possible and Edison Nation can attract some promising ideas for nonprofits, and nurture them through. To help, we’re asking you to go to the website below and share your ideas. Here are some suggestions to get you thinking. We’re looking for:
- New ways to conduct fundraising
- New ways to administer programs
- New ways to let individual citizens make a difference through volunteering
- New ways that an individual personally could make a difference
- New ways to use technology to help meet charitable needs
- New ways for potential donors to learn of charitable needs and what assistance is needed
- Wholesale changes in how charitable needs are met
One of our partners is The Charlotte Observer. In a front-page column in Sunday’s edition, Observer editor Rick Thames explains the online survey idea and talks to Edison Nation’s top executive. Mr. Thames says, “For this project, it’s not important that the idea be original. All that matters is that it will help. In fact, we hope to hear about great ideas that are already working elsewhere. “ (See CharlotteObserver.com, “Charity crisis can be solved with your ideas.”)
Read more about this project on the website of Charlotte Mission Possible partner WFAE-FM, including a story by reporter Simone Orendain about Edison Nation.
HOW TO HELP
Please consider sharing your ideas for how to help nonprofits. At a time when some charities are struggling, your ideas may be just what’s needed to help the community address the issue.
You can join the effort by taking the idea survey at CharlotteMissionPossible.org.
You may submit your idea anonymously. The best ideas are likely be simple, direct and tangible. Your idea may be a way to help a specific type of charity, or all charities.
