Also, the creation of online awareness across different online platforms translates to greater opportunities to reach a larger audience of potential donors; hence donors are not restricted by their geographical locations. 

There are different reasons why most organizations and individuals set up online fundraising campaigns; but, in my opinion, it is good to support fundraising campaigns geared toward a good cause. If the campaign is mission-driven, the fundraisers can be trusted, the impact of the non-profit organization can be seen and donations can be accounted for. It is even better if there is a way for the potential donor to be a part of the cause and mission of the organization conducting the fundraising campaign.

However, if one intends to set up an online fundraising campaign, there are important issues to take into account. According to the norms of fundraising, these issues include defining the purpose of the online fundraising campaign, setting out clear targets and goals for the campaign, elaborating on how the donations will be distributed to the beneficiaries, and finally outlining a new purpose for the donations if the initial purpose of the online fundraising campaign cannot be achieved. It is important to carefully examine these issues because meeting the set goals of the online fundraising is more important than the donation process itself.

I believe the main purpose of fundraising either online or offline from the organizational perspective should be to find donors who are loyal and committed to the organization's mission and objectives. On the other hand, as a donor, I feel that online fundraising should be supported as long as it has a clear mission and the purpose is well articulated.

I work in a big data institute that studies changes in the digital world. Like my colleagues, I firmly believe that online connectivity has had far-reaching impact on various walks of life. Fundraising is one of the fields to greatly benefit from this connectivity.

First of all, it is a convenient way for organizations or individuals in need to raise money in a short period. We have encountered online fundraising campaigns for people who are diagnosed with serious diseases. For them, online fundraising offers a quick channel to make their appeals. As far as I know, initiating online fundraising for a patient needs only authenticated medical records and identity information. In addition, with the help of social media, online fundraising campaigns can reach a wider audience. 

Another aspect I like about online fundraising is that it makes it much easier to do great things, such as saving a life, by adding small contributions from a lot of people. With a small cost in terms of money and time, participants of these programs are actually building a network of mutual support. After all, we all may need help from others some day.

As for online fundraising scams, I am convinced that it is not a problem of this method itself, but surveillance. There are also scams in traditional fundraising when there is insufficient surveillance. The authority should ensure transparency in fundraising platforms, requiring them to improve scrutiny of beneficiary information and ensure the donation goes to people in need.

For now, online fundraising remains a great way to collect money from donors who are young and believe in social networks. For older people, they prefer to trust and help people in real life rather than someone they don't personally know. Therefore, online fundraising platforms need to figure out a way to engage more people, possibly by combining online and offline channels.