Innovative Solutions for a Virtual World
Photo Credit: Chris Montgomery, via Unsplash
By Jenn Rockefeller
As our world continues to change and evolve, nonprofits need to find new, innovative solutions to raise money in order to carry out their mission. Because nonprofits are facing declining revenue in the wake of the pandemic, they are forced to take their fundraising efforts to new, unexplored territory in order to achieve success.
Many companies and nonprofits have heavily relied on Zoom, the video conferencing site that allows multiple users to chat at once. With everyone online, "Zoom fatigue” happens as people become burnt out from computer usage; for this reason, organizations need to find newer ways to conduct business.
According to Harvard Business Review, video calls are so draining because “they force us to focus more intently on conversations in order to absorb information.” We stare at a computer screen and even the smallest glance to the left or right can make it seem like we are not paying attention.
If it’s one thing that this pandemic has proven, it is that it is not going away any time soon. For that reason, nonprofits need to settle into a “new normal” and forge ahead with fundraising plans. In addition to Zoom, companies are trying to find alternative solutions that will shake things up and create a more interactive workspace.
Social media
Nonprofits can use social media platforms to their advantage. Many times, they relied on word of mouth and in-person events to garner success for their organizations. But now, these same nonprofits are taking to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach sustainability.
1. Consistent posts: Content about your organization and its mission can intrigue readers to follow your page and learn more.
2. Campaigns: If your organization’s mission is to raise awareness for mental health, you can run a month-long campaign in May each year for National Mental Health Month.
3. Video challenges: Post fun video challenges to your supporters to help raise awareness in their own communities.
4. Creating online events/groups: Facebook features like “create an event” and “create a group” can up your fundraising game.
YouTube
YouTube is like the forgotten middle child. You just forget that it’s there. Many nonprofits can easily make quick videos and post them on their other social media channels. However, nonprofits can also do the following:
1. Live videos: Advertise on their other social media channels that there will be an upcoming live video geared directly towards fundraising efforts.
2. Utilize the nonprofit program: According to an article by Leah Readings on Capterra, nonprofit organizations can use YouTube’s nonprofit program feature “that provides any qualified organization with free premium services, including donate buttons, call-to-action overlays, live-streaming, and goal tracking.”
3. Follow other nonprofits: YouTube also has a subscribe button that would allow your organization to follow the content of other organizations. When this happens, these other organizations will likely follow you back, but more importantly, this will also drive traffic back to your channel.
Virtual Reality
What we know as virtual reality (VR) was first brought to light in the 1980s by Jaron Lanier, who first developed the technology (goggles and gloves) to experience this new world, according to The Franklin Institute. Nowadays, however, many people have used VR for purposes like video gaming. But what about in the business world? Companies and nonprofits have begun to use this piece of technology to bring their mission to others in an innovative new way.
In an article by Laurie Schneider on NonProfit Pro, you can almost literally put yourself in someone else’s shoes with virtual reality. According to Schneider, “Through 360-degree video, people can step into a new world or an inaccessible place.”
Using VR can give all those involved with the organization (donors, supporters, and volunteers) an entirely new look and have them experience the organization on a new level. This way, supporters can have a better understanding of the organization. “Empathy and compassion can build from the ability to experience someone else’s story. Because of that, VR can be incredibly impactful for philanthropy efforts,” stated Schneider.
Video games
I only learned about the video platform Twitch a few months ago where people can watch gamers play their favorite video games. If you extrapolate from there, nonprofit organizations can do the same – but add in the simple caveat that people can pay to watch you play.
According to Salesforce.org, “there’s a massive community of hardcore gamers who pay to watch the best gamers in the world do their thing” using Twitch. Using Twitch in this non-traditional manner can increase funds for organizations in these unprecedented times.
Walk-a-thons
Under normal circumstances, many organizations across the country held in-person walk-a-thons to raise money. Take Hubbard House, for example. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, this organization helps raise money for domestic violence awareness and has a shelter to assist local families escaping abuse. Each spring, Hubbard House would hold a domestic violence awareness walk. This year, however, that had to be done virtually. Think of it like those telethons that used to be done on television, like the Muscular Dystrophy telethon.
Nonprofits have so many avenues at their fingertips for fundraising throughout the year. The bottom line remains this – communicate to your supporters, donors, and staff. Transparency is vital in these unprecedented times. Be sure to frequently communicate the organization’s needs, mission, values, and the direction you want to go. When your supporters see these things, they are more apt to financially contribute to your cause.
Ready to take your nonprofit to the next level? Visit our services page to book a consultation and learn how The Nonprofit Makeover can help you.
