This December 6 was the first Georgia Gives Day, a 24-hour period in which residents were encouraged to contribute as much as possible to dozens of organizations across the state. The event was established to try to capitalize on the success other states have seen when holding these digital marathon fundraisers, according to The Telegraph.

"This is the first time it's ever been done in Georgia," said Julia Wood, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia's director of donor services, as quoted by the news source. "If you look at Minnesota on their 'Give to the Max' day, they raised $16 million this year."

These giving days are successful, in part, because they provide donors with greater convenience and transparency. Online fundraising portals often provide information about charities' financial records, mission statements and previous projects. Participating individuals can make quick and easy online payments with checks, debit or credit cards that will go directly to their chosen organization's bank accounts.

As foundations tap into emerging digital channels to raise funds online, they can benefit from nonprofit fundraising software that tracks incoming donations and quantitatively measures the success of their efforts.