An online petition in 2003 pushed the Human Rights Campaign into the world of online fund- and friendraising. And the organization never looked back.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

That done, however, HRC also has to understand what effect — if any — bringing more “straight allies” into the mix will have on the organization’s perception and reception among its core audience. So far, so good, Crowley says.

Which then brings us to inherent challenge No. 2, which is illustrated perfectly by the Matthew Shepard Act. Despite an apparent victory, the legislation remains stalled — something that easily can frustrate donors and other supporters.