Introduction

One of the most important aspects of non profit initiatives is fundraising. As with many other real world activities, social media has disrupted the paradigm for conducting daily business. Let us discuss how to make this disruption work positively.

Articles

• Benchmarks 2016 (UK Canvas)

Questions

Q1 – How Has The Giving Scope Changed?

As if it wasn’t obvious in the general world sphere, the Benchmark article makes clear that fundraising targets are migrating from static media (email, websites) to social media. This provides both challenges and opportunities for organizations relying on upon public generosity. No longer can one reliably send out bulk emails and expect dependable results. However, while news has always been instantly available – now it is instantly available on a personal level. This kind of “touch it, feel it” illusion aspect of social media may prompt public response in a way that “special reports” on the corner cafe TV never could.

Q2 – How to Leverage Social Media As Fundraising Tool.

As above, social media has already begun to disrupt the traditional email fundraising model – itself a fairly recent disruption of ring downs, snail mail, and door to door. In a way, part of the work has already been done – there is all but a certain chance whatever cause one wishes to take part in already has an operating interest group. Unfortunately, this also means the possible issue of competing for time and resources. Additionally, while previous generational methods are gradually being supplanted, they are still far too relevant and important to ignore. The savvy fund-raising manager will need to find a way to mix public empathy toward their cause with multiple social outlets, and traditional methods – all in a way that is cost and time effective.