Survey: Donors plan to give online this holiday season

In the wake of President-elect Obama's record-breaking success raising campaign contributions on the internet, a survey for online fundraising firm Convio by JupiterResearch shows more than half of Americans polled say they plan to give to charity this holiday season, despite the Wall Street meltdown and national recession. Only about a third of them plan to donate less than last year and the total given online could total as much as $3 billion.

The national survey showed of the 175.6 million online adults over 18 in the U.S., more than half, 51 percent, plan to donate to charities during this year's holiday season and nearly 7 out of 10 people surveyed plan to donate as much or more than last year. Only about a third said they will donate less.

Human and social services, faith-based, and disease and health related nonprofits are the most likely recipients among donors of all levels. People who plan to donate find the organization’s web site most helpful in deciding which charity to support followed by email from a friend or family member asking for support, the survey indicated.

Convio officials estimate that online consumers will donate nearly $3 billion via the Internet during this year's holiday season. Only two years ago, $3 billion was the estimate of all online giving for a 12-month period. To obtain a copy of the survey report, register at www.convio.com/holiday2008_npt or email a request to info@convio.com.