How Charitable Organizations are Evolving in the World of Tech
It’s safe to say that the continuing advancements in technology and the internet have drastically changed nearly every facet in life — both for individuals, businesses and organizations in the world today.
And while most of us may take the benefits of Google, social media and the internet as a whole for granted, others continue to take advantage of its many benefits.
Of the many different niche markets and sectors that have been affected by such technological changes, the world of charitable foundations and nonprofits are no exception.
With that focus in mind, today we will be taking a deep dive into what some of the world’s top charitable organizations are doing to connect with more people than ever before through the power of the internet.
Social Media Engagement
The internet has made connecting with each other through websites and email a whole lot easier, but once social media platforms started going live, the process became even easier.
This was a huge turning point for many different charities and non-profit organizations, as they would build out their own social profiles and create a new following in the process.
One of the best examples of this can be seen with WE Charity, as they’ve been able to accumulate more than 3 million fans and supporters across top platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For charitable organizations of all sizes, having a strong social media following in place can result in a long term source of growth, outreach and incoming donations. And when you factor in that an unlimited amount of social updates can be made without the need to pay for each, the opportunities are limitless and priceless.
Charitable Donations 24/7
For most charitable organizations looking to raise awareness and bring in new donors, this was often done through the use of print advertising and television advertising. And more often than not, there would be a phone number that viewers would call to make a donation.
This was good and bad for a number of reasons, but the negative points were often associated with higher costs, time-restricted promotions and requiring a user to jump on a phone call. And with any type of print or billboard advertising being done, it would be very hard to calculate the actual return on investment being made.
Now, through the power of the internet and social media, every organization is accessible 24/7, while having much lower operating costs and donations can be made through a simple click of a button. And if they are willing to consider paid advertising and outreach online, nearly every aspect of this can be tracked down to the very click, while also delivering powerful demographic data to help improve results for any new or upcoming campaigns and promotions.
In an effort to raise even more awareness and resources, some charities have found great success by running crowdfunding projects through the likes of donation platforms like GoFundMe.
By adding this type of outside promotion in addition to their own inhouse sites or social media efforts, volunteers and supporters of an organization can further share and promote such crowdfunding within their own personal and social media connections.
Influencer and Celebrity Outreach
The concept of brands working with well-known celebrities to endorse them is nothing new, and it’s something we’ve seen through print, television and commercial advertising all the time. However, this is yet another component of outreach and awareness that the internet and advancing technology has changed as well.
As mentioned earlier with social media, it’s allowed for anyone to instantly connect with millions of people at any given time. It’s also given millions of individuals a platform to reach out and engage with others, while also building their own mini or massive followings. With every social update or mention that these influencers make, it can result in thousands or even millions of views, clicks or actions for any brands or organizations that might make a reference to.
And while the concept of influencer marketing is alive and well in the business sector, charitable and nonprofit organizations are finally getting in on the action as well. By partnering up with well-known celebrities and influencers that have massive followings online, this helps to funnel more followers, supporters and donations back to the foundations they might be working with.
Charity Review Sites
Before making a donation to a new charitable organization or cause, it’s always important to know what the organization is all about, where the resources are going and how they might have helped those in need in the past.
A decade ago, this type of information would be hard to find, but now it’s all readily accessible through charity review sites and platforms like Charity Navigator.
With such sites and resources in place, not only will supporters feel more comfortable about the groups they are supporting, but it can also help legitimize the millions of smaller foundations and organizations looking to improve their reach and awareness as well.
Growing a Charitable Organization through the Internet
Nearly all charitable organizations and nonprofit groups are all started with a great cause and mission in mind, while also trying to help those in need or to bring awareness to their efforts. And while there are millions of groups out there with these goals, there are only a select few that get the media attention and resources they truly need.
However, the common problem such smaller and lesser-known organizations have to deal with is trying to get enough attention and awareness to bring in the necessary volunteers and donations to make their impact seen.
Through the use of the internet, more charities are taking advantage of social media and influencer outreach, thus resulting in getting that much needed exposure they wouldn’t have had access to just a few years ago.
By taking advantage of each of the listed solutions and platforms listed above, every charitable organization now has the ability to make a positive impact in their world, while also not being limited by their startup costs and global location.
