Inside ASI-AP

I was reading an article over the weekend in the May-June edition of Advancing Philanthropy (the journal of the AFP - Association of Fundraising Professionals - www.afpnet.com), which is conveniently now provided to all members of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA - www.fia.org.au). The article was a summary of a study by the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council (www.runwalkride.com) and it shows that funds raised through athletic charitable events - such was walkathons and bikeathons - grew by more than 10% in 2007. The top 30 athletic fundraising events in the US generated more than $1.64 billion in gross revenue in 2007. The top programs included Relay for Life (American Cancer) at $406m, Team in Training (Leukemia) at $125m and Start! Heart Walk (American Heart) at $106m.

The study attributed one of the key factor for the increases was improved online fundraising tools. iMIS Friendraising is one of those such tools.

Here in AP, we have made good progress this year. Cancer Council Vic has gone live with iMIS Friendraising for their Australia's Biggest Morning Tea (www.biggestmorningtea.com.au - then click Vic as your home state), and are currently working on adding other events through the remainder of 2008.

Recent new customers to sign up for iMIS Friendraising include the Leukemia Foundation (going live next month with their Light the Night event) and the National Breast Cancer Foundation (going live in Q3 with their Pink Ribbon Breakfast).