CaringBridge
| Type | Health Crisis Information Portal |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Structure | 14 Board Members 66 Paid Staff |
| Leadership | Sona Mehring, Founder and Chief Executive Officer |
| Governance | Janice Aune, Chair of the Board |
| Field | Health Crisis Support |
| Scope | Provide communication portals to families and friends during significant health crises |
| Website | www.CaringBridge.Org |
CaringBridge is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1997 that offers free, personalized websites to people facing various medical conditions, hospitalization, medical treatment, and/or recovery from a significant accident, illness, injury, or procedure. The purpose of the platform is to allow family members and friends to receive information about a particular individual. Visitors who are provided with an individual's personal website address (or URL) and password can read updates on the individual's condition or post messages to the family as needed.
Purpose
CaringBridge allows patients, caregivers, families, and friends to exchange information about a patient's medical condition on an ongoing basis. The websites are designed to become conduits between patients, their families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.[1] When visiting an individual’s website, visitors can post messages of support.
Privacy
CaringBridge is qualified to display the TRUSTe and HON Code privacy seals because of its privacy policy and business practices.[2]
History
CaringBridge was created in 1997 by Sona Mehring when her close friend suffered a life-threatening pregnancy. The site was intended to keep family and friends informed about the friend's situation.
- 1997: Sona Mehring creates the original CaringBridge website
- 1998: More than 50 sites are established on the platform
- 2000: Donor supports begins
- 2001: Board established
- 2002: Nonprofit status is granted
- 2005: Donations top $1 million
- 2006: More than 5,000 sites established
- 2007: First national media coverage
- 2009: Spanish-language access is created
- 2010: CaringBridge.org visits top 1 billion
- 2012: 132,000 donors; 110 volunteers
- 2013: Visits to CaringBridge.org total 46 million
CaringBridge is headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota; in 2012, it had 66 employees.[3]
Revenue
The website and mobile apps allow users to make donations, which are termed "tributes", in the name of specific individuals. The donations support CaringBridge and are not disbursed to individuals or families.
Total Revenue:
2013 – $8,339,743.00
2012 – $7,662,118.00
2011 – $8,535,425.00
2010 – $7,895,101.00
Affiliations
CaringBridge is a member of the National Health Council.[4]
CaringBridge is listed as an accredited Better Business Bureau (BBB) charity.[5]
CaringBridge is affiliated with Community Health Charities of America.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ Connections between different personal groups: Newsweek cover story, April 17, 2007,
- ↑ CaringBridge privacy policy
- ↑ Prather, Shannon (June 25, 2012). "CaringBridge connects hearts". StarTribune (Minneapolis, MN).
- ↑ National Health Council membership: NationalHealthCouncil.org website.
- ↑ BBB.org CaringBridge report
- ↑
External links
- Official website
- Charities Review Council report on CaringBridge
- Organizational Profile – National Center for Charitable Statistics (Urban Institute)