It's always good to see charity organisations being connected with technology that can help them raise more money and support for their cause.
The corporate world is often one step ahead of charities when it comes to rolling out innovative marketing and business strategies, but inventions such as the internet, social media and smartphones are making it easier for nonprofits to keep up.
This is because these technologies are usually cost-effective and valuable. Social media is an excellent platform for engaging with supporters and spreading ideas, whereas creating a website helps charities build an established online presence.
The latest invention to take the world by storm is the smartphone, closely followed by the tablet. These new creations allow people to access the internet from almost anywhere, anytime - and for a cost that doesn't break the bank.
Now users are more connected than ever, and often hungry for fresh information and news. Hence why most companies are working hard to get themselves noticed across these mediums.
One of the best ways to go about this is to build an application, more colloquially known as an 'app'.
These are tools that users can download to improve their online experience. Many apps are as simple as interactive games or puzzles, while others are created for a good cause such as the one recently released by Alzheimer's Australia.
When a charity organisation makes an app, this is often referred to as a 'chapp'. A few Australian charities have made the most of this opportunity, but many may be lacking the resources to develop them.
In order to help more nonprofits get apps up and running, the Vodafone Foundation has launched a new initiative called App Aid.
They want to connect charities with app developers and hold a competition. The winning team will receive $30,000 to create their application, and the runner up will be able to work with $10,000.
The catch? You have to make the final top ten in order to be able to compete. Applications are opening tomorrow (August 1) and close on August 21.
Once in the running, the next challenge will lie in the time limit that teams have to design an app prototype - 48 hours.
The competition will be tough, but the prize will be worth it! The Vodafone Foundation is encouraging interested organisations to read up on the terms and conditions on their website.
