First off, I want to wish you, the supporters of SomethingToGive.org (STG), a very Happy New Year!

For STG, 2010 was all about building a pilot platform to prove whether our model for growing volunteerism could work. Please know that your support provided us the means to do just that. Read on to discover what we learned and what lies ahead in 2011.

On Nov. 1, 2010, phase one of our dream was accomplished: we launched our pilot program by teaming with Good Cheer and its 400+ army of volunteers. The pilot's purpose was to test two core constructs of STG's model: whether (1) volunteers would be motivated by rewards and (2) the general public would readily embrace donating rewards.

The pilot has yielded mixed results. There is clear evidence that volunteers have indeed been motivated by rewards. On the other hand, building an inventory of donated rewards has been challenging. Without proof that the broader public will readily take on the role of reward donor, we believe that our ability to raise the funds necessary to keep STG going has been compromised.

So what's next? After deliberating with our Board of Directors, we have decided to place STG into hibernation over the next several months. This break will allow me, the Board, and our volunteer team to reenergize and reassess how to make STG a viable, long-term vehicle to grow volunteerism. We plan to reconvene in six months with rested minds and fresh perspectives.

Do you have any ideas on how to get people motivated to donate rewards? If you do we'd love to hear from you. Please drop me a note at AndyMcRea@SomethingToGive.org.

Please stay tuned for more news during 2011. Again, I cannot tell you how much your support has meant in turning what initially seemed like a far-fetched dream - into a reality. We've had some successes along the way, and now it's time to pause and contemplate how best to handle the hurdle in front of us. Thank you again for everything and best wishes for 2011.

Regards,
Andy McRea
Executive Director – SomethingToGive.org