Why You Need To Keep Fundraising Technology Skills Current

Learning fundraising technology trends for nonprofits

In the last two years, nonprofits have faced immeasurable challenges. Adapting to a tech-driven future has been one of the biggest.

It wasn’t just learning how to use Zoom or work collaboratively from home that hindered nonprofits in pandemic times. In the absence of in-person events, fundraising was challenging, particularly engaging donors without face-to-face meetings and stewardship events.

Most of all, it exposed growing weaknesses when it comes to effectively using fundraising technology.

Falling Behind In The Digital Tech Skills Race

The pandemic cast a sharp spotlight on the technology skills needed to adapt to new high-tech demands. The rise of remote working and virtual events has presented both new opportunities and new challenges. Many in the philanthropy field don’t have the essential tech skills necessary to fully embrace and utilize these new opportunities.

Now the question is out there: What skills are missing, and how do nonprofits catch up to achieve their full fundraising potential?

Rethink Your Online Fundraising With the help of Technology

There are three critical areas where nonprofit leaders and employees need to stay on top of the latest trends and tools in fundraising technology:

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  • Online giving
  • Donor engagement and development
  • Event management

Though the last two years have been a trial-by-fire learning experience for many of us, the future doesn’t have to be.

Online Giving

While most nonprofits now offer the ability for supporters to donate online, a strategy for online giving is still an important way to grow fundraising.

Social media is a great way to spread the word about your organization, and the solutions you offer to address problems. A single Facebook post may only reach a small portion of your audience as algorithms continue to limit visibility. One challenge of cross-posting the same content is that it may not resonate with all users on every social media platform.

Knowing what each social media platform is best suited to, and then tailoring your content to that medium, will help you reach potential donors. A great way to familiarize yourself with Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok is to become a user yourself and analyze the types of content you like best on that platform..

Then develop a strategy! Campaigns aren’t built in a day, and neither is a robust social media presence. Find more ways to become a part of the ecosystem. Contribute useful information, content relevant to your cause area, and your own expertise. Interact with other contributors, and offer cooperation and collaboration.

Donor Engagement and Development

How much money do you lose by waiting for your donors to come to your fundraising event?

Donor engagement is a year-round effort that focuses on more than just donations. New fundraising technology offers nonprofits dozens of additional ways to bring donors closer to the cause and deepen the connection.

Offering virtual events is just one newly-emergent method of engaging donors from any distance. Nonprofits have been having a lot of success using online events to highlight the work they do and why it matters to their communities. Virtual tours, virtual meet-and-greets, and other exclusive access opportunities are great ways to emotionally engage donors in the cause.

Event Management

High-tech solutions for fundraising events have existed for years, and not all nonprofits are fully utilizing what they have to offer.

Online event registration, ticket sales, guest management, online auctions and remote bidding are all powerful tools to increase your fundraising. These technologies make it easier for you to raise money and better engage with your guests.

Join experts for a deep dive into how to build, engage, and succeed in your goals using the Greater Giving suite at the APEX: Greater Giving User Conference. The Virtually Hosted Sessions program will be held over three days, August 9-11th. The conference will include sessions like “Adding Virtual Elements to Your In-Person Event” and more.

How To Become A Fundraising Technology Unicorn

Fully embracing fundraising technology solutions doesn’t happen overnight—it takes experimentation, skill development, and dedication. But it’s within anyone’s reach to do.

Nonprofits need to invest in their employees and staff to achieve high-tech fundraising success.  In addition, nonprofit leaders must encourage their organizations to embrace these new avenues and try them out for themselves!

Today, there are so many ways nonprofits can collect donations. Successful fundraising takes a lot work, but insights and new technologies can make it a little bit simpler.


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