Use your resources to help worthy non-profits

Many people in the SEO community have worked with at least one non-profit organization and some SEOs specialize in serving that market. However, I’m writing this post to ask all people in our industry with resources to lend a helping hand to any charities they like that are losing state or local revenues due to the Great Recession of 2008-2009.

There is nothing great about this recession. As many as 9-10% of Americans are out of jobs and many other countries are struggling, too. Here in the United States many state governments have suddenly found themselves forced to slash expenses because their tax revenues have dropped off tremendously. In fact, states that depend heavily on property taxes may have been hardest hit because of the millions of mortgage failures that have left many once-proud homes empty.

Many charitable organizations benefit from close relationships with celebrities who help them promote awareness of their programs and build up donations. Nonetheless, a lot of these organizations also rely on state and local governments for a variety of reasons. A World Fit For Kids, which actor Kevin Sorbo has helped for 12 years, is one such organization.

Sorbo recently asked people to donate $6 to A World Fit For Kids to help offset the revenues the organization is no longer able to collect from state and local government. This particular charity works with Los Angeles children to help them stay off the streets and out of the gang environment.

But there are so many other good non-profit organizations out there and even if they have celebrities like Kevin Sorbo working to help them, they can use more help. The SEO community has the resources to help increase people’s awareness of these organizations’ lost funding. We collectively control many blogs, news sharing accounts, and other resources where we can help spread the word.

There is no profit in doing this kind of pro bono promotion. Sure, you might get some links from a few sites for making an extra effort, but this is not the time to be asking charities for links. If you have the resources to help out, I feel you should. The SEO community can accomplish a lot when it believes in an idea.

Rather than argue over the merits of links and content, let’s show the Internet we’re capable of providing a lot of value where it will really help.

Please use your blogs and other resources to help make people aware of the organizations you like that are seeking alternative funding.