Going Mobile: Charity Dynamics and The Salvation Army Launch New iPhone Application for Annual Red Kettle Campaign

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army is tapping into the power of the mobile device this holiday season with the launch of a new iPhone® application to help strengthen fundraising for the organization's iconic Red Kettle Campaign. Developed by Charity Dynamics, the Online Red Kettle iPhone app empowers individuals to conduct personal fundraising campaigns on behalf of The Salvation Army, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.

"Virtual bell ringers are an essential part of The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign, and now our new mobile app enables these online fundraisers to make an even greater difference," said Jason Wood, Director of Internet Services, The Salvation Army. "By equipping today's 'fundraiser on the go' with such a convenient and effective fundraising tool, we're able to broaden our impact as an organization as we serve those in need this holiday season and throughout the year."

Started in 1891, The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is the oldest annual charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States and helps to raise money for those who need it most in communities nationwide. The Online Red Kettle, which the organization launched in 2005, allows individuals to create and manage their own "virtual kettle" fundraising campaigns. In 2009, the Online Red Kettle jumped into the world of social networking for the first time by using Charity Dynamics' Boundless Fundraising, a highly-effective fundraising channel that enables individuals to increase awareness and giving via their Facebook® networks.

With the Online Red Kettle iPhone application, individuals can now easily conduct all of their virtual kettle fundraising activities from the convenience of their mobile devices, instead of having to rely on a personal computer. The app allows a fundraiser to:

• Make updates to their personal fundraising page that is optimized for their mobile device;
• Constantly track their fundraising progress with a customized Red Kettle donation meter;
• Take photos and immediately upload them to their personal fundraising page; and
• Conveniently send fundraising appeals to friends, family and other contacts.

"The Online Red Kettle app extends the ability for The Salvation Army's individual fundraisers to communicate and connect with a greater number of potential donors, which is key for driving stronger giving results," said Donna Wilkins, president of Charity Dynamics. "We're excited to partner with The Salvation Army in this effort, and look forward to seeing the stronger fundraising results that virtual bell ringers across the country are able to achieve this holiday."

The Salvation Army Online Red Kettle app is available for free to iPhone owners through the iTunes application store, and can also be downloaded online when individuals sign up to be virtual bell ringers at www.onlineredkettle.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. www.salvationarmyusa.org.

About Charity Dynamics

Charity Dynamics provides comprehensive online solutions for nonprofit organizations. From strategy to implementation and beyond, Charity Dynamics partners with clients of all sizes to deliver the services, software, and support they need to get the results they want. Organizations using the company's innovative social networking application, Boundless Fundraising, have raised more than $50 million directly through the application since the beginning of 2009. In addition to The Salvation Army, Charity Dynamics' clients include The ALS Association, American Cancer Society, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For more information, please visit www.charitydynamics.com.

SOURCE Charity Dynamics