What are the new fundraising trends you need to know?

1 Online and mobile giving

One of the most obvious and significant trends in fundraising is the shift to online and mobile giving. More and more donors are using digital platforms and devices to support their favorite causes, especially during the pandemic. Online and mobile giving offer convenience, speed, and security for donors, as well as opportunities for fundraisers to reach new audiences, engage existing supporters, and track and measure results. To leverage this trend, you need to optimize your website, email, social media, and text messaging campaigns for online and mobile giving, and ensure that your donation process is user-friendly, responsive, and secure.

2 Virtual and hybrid events

Another trend that emerged from the pandemic is the rise of virtual and hybrid events. Virtual events are events that take place entirely online, such as webinars, livestreams, auctions, or peer-to-peer campaigns. Hybrid events are events that combine online and in-person elements, such as conferences, galas, or walks. Virtual and hybrid events offer many benefits for fundraisers, such as lower costs, wider reach, greater flexibility, and more creativity. To make the most of this trend, you need to plan your events strategically, use the right tools and platforms, create engaging and interactive content, and follow up with your attendees and donors.

3 Social and environmental impact

Another trend that is shaping the fundraising landscape is the growing demand for social and environmental impact. Donors are more conscious and discerning about where and how they give, and they want to see tangible and measurable outcomes from their donations. They also care about the values and practices of the organizations they support, and how they align with their own. To respond to this trend, you need to communicate your impact clearly and consistently, using data, stories, and visuals. You also need to demonstrate your commitment to social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

4 Diversified and personalized fundraising

Another trend that is influencing the fundraising sector is the need for diversified and personalized fundraising. Donors are not a homogenous group, but a diverse and dynamic one, with different preferences, motivations, and behaviors. They also expect a personalized and customized experience from the organizations they support, based on their interests, needs, and history. To adapt to this trend, you need to segment your donors into different groups, based on criteria such as demographics, giving patterns, engagement levels, or communication channels. You also need to tailor your messaging, offers, and stewardship to each segment, using data, feedback, and testing.

5 Collaborative and participatory fundraising

Another trend that is transforming the fundraising field is the emergence of collaborative and participatory fundraising. Donors are not only passive givers, but active partners, who want to be involved in the decision-making, implementation, and evaluation of the projects they support. They also want to connect with other donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders, and form communities around shared causes. To embrace this trend, you need to create opportunities for your donors to co-create, co-fund, and co-learn with you and with each other. You also need to foster a culture of trust, dialogue, and feedback, and empower your donors to become advocates and ambassadors for your organization.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?