Strategic Internet and E-Commerce Applications for Local Nonprofit Organizations

Abstract

SUMMARY The world of Internet applications is expanding faster than many academics and other professionals can follow. Although it is extremely challenging to provide a helpful review of such quickly changing issues, particularly those relating to local nonprofit organizations, we consider previous Internet and e-commerce research, the current state of organizational Web applications, different types of local nonprofit organizations and how their different missions and objectives may impact their strategic Web decisions. Perhaps more important, we also address a wide range of important individual e-technology issues and implications. For any nonprofit considering integrating an Internet presence into their promotion and offering mix, the process may seem to require almost heroic determination and dedication. It is a continuous challenge for professionals to search out critical information sources (books, articles, on-line postings, etc.) and many such sources are included here as examples and references. Finally, this review suggests that the Internet revolution is not just a new type of advertising technique, but has the potential to redefine organizations (including local nonprofits) and the professionals who run them.