The concept is simple. Malaria is a leading killer of children in Africa – but is also extremely preventable. For $10, a mosquito net can be purchased and distributed to a family who needs it. “Give a net, save a life.” Compelling? Certainly.

With this simple premise, the United Nations Foundation created a hugely successful campaign called Nothing But Nets. In October of 2006, they launched a new interactive website, backed by the Artez Solution, and proceeded to raise over two million dollars – 66% of it online – over the first six months. To date, they have raised over $5.5 million.



How did they do it? Well, with a matching grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, momentum built quickly. But another big part of their success was their innovative use of Artez’s Major Event Module. Donors are encouraged to become “Net-raisers”, and raise money through their personal networks – a fundraising approach traditionally used for pledge-based events. It worked extremely well for this non-event, however, especially as high profile people and groups (like Bill Reilly of Sports Illustrated, the NBA, and the United Methodist Church) have become Net-raisers and formed fundraising teams. The fundraising effect has been exponential, and it is thanks to the Artez Solution that the campaign has remained manageable, even as it has become “viral”.

“Artez has been really great to work with,” says Shannon Raybold, Internet Director for the project. “The Solution really helps people to stay involved, and helps us to nurture the most active participants. They are also really wonderful about customer service, which is essential with a project of this size.”

Clearly, Nothing But Nets is a case study for what is possible in online fundraising. And there’s nothing Artez loves more than supporting innovative fundraising.