Bill Strathmann

A lot of people got rich in the tech boom, but how many of those people devoted their work to developing new ways to give back? Bill Strathmann is one of the people who brainstormed ways to use the power of the Internet to enhance philanthropic and charitable work and giving, then made it happen. As the executive director of Network for Good, Strathmann’s involved in everything from helping charities receive secure donations to promoting causes and initiatives such as Six Degrees. Inspired by the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” game, Bacon and others teamed up to encourage online giving through social networking and Web 2.0 applications. With the help of Network for Good and Six Degrees, users can create a ‘badge’ that shows what their cause is and why they are devoted to it. They can put this badge anywhere on the web, spreading the word and encouraging friends and family members to donate. AOL, Cisco Systems, Yahoo! and eBay alums now sit on the Board of Directors of Network for Good, bringing the best minds online together to come up with ways to help charities.

Strathmann came to Network for Good after spending several years with BearingPoint, where he provided strategic management and acquisition consulting for non-profits. In partnership with Andersen Business Consulting, Strathmann created a group that served major non-profits, including National Geographic Society and the United Way. Though Network for Good has distributed over $100 million to different charitable organizations, Strathmann’s never content to rest on his laurels. Under his guidance, Network for Good participates in regular research and analysis in the field of online giving. Constant market research and updates on best practices make Network for Good both a leader of industry and major boon for non-profits, who rely on Network for Good services for safe, efficient donation practices.

Passionate about education, Strathmann makes it a point to speak regularly on subjects ranging from Web 2.0 philanthropy to corporate social responsibility. He also co-wrote a book entitled, ‘People to People Fundraising – Social Networking and Web 2.0 for Charities.’ Though his days, nights, and weekends are packed, he makes the time to serve in advisory and board member capacities for a variety of foundations. Figuring out how to maximize charitable donations and giving back to the community? A very Bro-fessional attitude, indeed.