Los Angeles-based GoodThreads announced the launch of an innovative, user-friendly eCommerce platform for engaging supporters to increase donations and raising awareness of different causes.  This technology will integrate into non-profits’ event registration and donation process, while providing tools for supporters to create customized merchandise that speaks of a personal story in connection with the cause.  The merchandise will include T-shirts, hats, bags, water bottles, etc.  It also has social sharing features that allows supporters to spread the love and awareness to friends and family.

That is to say, nonprofits that team up with GoodThreads will be able to provide its supporters merchandise personalized for them, either with their name, the name of their loved one, or other images that is of any bearing to them.  Nonprofits also retain certain facets of merchandise such as the color, logo and sponsor placement, as well as the amount they’re willing to donate per item sold.

“We have really enjoyed working with the GoodThreads team on our merchandise needs for our upcoming event,” noted Deb Anthony, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Los Angeles County. “GoodThreads’ innovative fundraising approach makes it simple for us to integrate personalized merchandise sales with our existing systems, as well as helping us design templates that maintain our strict brand controls. Their solution will improve the experience of our individual participants and teams by allowing them to tell their personal stories and support our cause.”

GoodThreads is originated and developed by AudioLife founder and CEO Brandon Hance. GoodThreads is well-position in the industry as a partner of software vendors serving nonprofits, and leveraging AudioLife’s platform, one of the largest Direct-to-Consumer eCommerce and merchandise fulfillment business in the music industry today.

Hance said his dedication to this project is due to his aunt who died of breast cancer last year, and his mom’s effort to honor her memory.  “I was inspired to create GoodThreads when I saw my mom go through the hassle of creating her own shirt to honor my aunt Carol who passed away from breast cancer last year. She made a shirt to wear during a fundraising walk, but the process was costly, time-consuming and didn’t benefit the organization– I knew there had to be a better way.”

In other nonprofit news, the sector gains continued support from tech companies. WMC LLC, a multi-channel IPTV provider, donates over $1.5 million worth of technology to HSFA to aid non-profits all over United States. The grant will be used to establish HSTV Network to give profits greater access to the public over the period of 5 years.

Also, the second annual Nonprofit Technology Summit will be held Friday from 9am to 3pm at Rackspace Hosting. It is a product of the partnership of San Antonio Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Support and Rackspace Hosting.