Tuesday Buzz: The First Nonprofit Apple Watch App?

The American Red Cross has a pretty busy schedule these days, but that’s not out of the ordinary: The nonprofit constantly offers aid to those in need, wherever necessary. (Currently on its list: raising funds to assist the victims of the Nepal earthquake  (opens in a new tab).)

That hasn’t stopped the humanitarian group from innovating, however. It is now among the first nonprofits with an Apple Watch app. The group announced its new Emergency app last week  (opens in a new tab), a product that is meant to help keep loved ones in touch during moments of danger—whether the danger is man-made or otherwise.

“What makes this app different is that it is a single ‘go-to’ source for everything from a hurricane, to a severe thunderstorm, to a home fire,” the organization’s Dominick Tolli said in a news release  (opens in a new tab). “It also allows you to instantly alert loved ones when a disaster is about to strike their community and see if they are okay using Family Safe.”

It only makes sense that the Red Cross is ahead of the curve in this case; while many associations and organizations are likely to take a wait-and-see approach to the platform, the group has an entire suite of apps  (opens in a new tab). Think your association’s single app is snazzy? Try maintaining 13 different apps for iOS alone.

(It’s worth noting, by the way, that Apple is currently accepting donations for Nepal victims, all proceeds of which will go directly to the Red Cross  (opens in a new tab), through its iTunes Store.)

Tiniest CMS Ever?

If you find the Red Cross’ work on the Apple Watch inspiring, but don’t think you can develop something similar, don’t be afraid to check out what the social platform RebelMouse is doing these days. The company just announced an extension of its platform for the watch, making it one of the first content-management platforms that can make dedicated products specifically for the device. Read more over this way  (opens in a new tab).

Other Links of Note

Small org looking to punch above your weight? Check out what Maggie McGary, the communications and PR manager at Society of Fire Protection Engineers, has to offer on the cool tools front  (opens in a new tab).

If your chamber is trying to squeeze out some additional nondues revenue, the advice from Christina Green, a guest blogger for Frank J. Kenny, might come in handy  (opens in a new tab).

The social-scheduling app Buffer has long been a great tool for social media managers, but it may have taken things to the next level with the addition of Pinterest support  (opens in a new tab).

The Red Cross’ Emergency app, as shown on the Apple Watch. (Associations Now illustration)