Mariah & Michael are singing, festive cheer is ringing, and generous donors keep on giving (despite the challenges that 2022 has thrown our way – ahem, $10 lettuce WAH?!). It’s a fascinating time of year, and we are tickled pink by some of the digital fundraising trends we’re seeing from you guys. Here’s some of what we’re lovin’.
1. It’s back to BASICS
This keeps cropping up in 2022, and we think it’s going to be the way forward in 2023 – getting back to the basics of great content and laser-focusing on your supporters and how to personalise their experience with your cause.
Canteen is doing it with a fabulous personalised thank you video. These were huge back in the day, so it’s great to see them being used again (and SO effectively – Canteen actually had REAL people film the names of their donors. LEGENDS.)
Australian Red Cross is finding new ways to hyper-personalise and thank their donors with Lifeblood Gifts, giving their valuable blood donors a gift per milestone reached.
The Heart Foundation have a relevant and timely Advent-ure calendar that explores relevant topics for heart health – both tying in with their cause and giving their amazing supporters a fantastic and engaging way to interact with the org. We love the recipes for the festive period, with a very cleverly placed donate CTA.
2. Not all donations are the same, but they all count
Hey, 2022 has been HARD for everyone. The cost-of-living crisis and inflation has left no one immune, and charities are also feeling the crunch. It became important this year – and will continue into the next – that not only do orgs need to diversify income channels and focus on RETENTION of people who LOVE YOUUUUU, but you need to ask in different ways too.
That’s why it’s been great seeing a renewed push for buying thoughtful and impactful merch as a donation option this year. Again, it’s nothing new, and that’s why we’re loving it. Why not push what you already have instead of reinventing the wheel?
These are some that we’d definitely feel not-guilty about purchasing for our loved ones (and for great causes):
It’s been good to see orgs taking advantage of context and key world moments to ask as well. We saw some great matched giving campaigns during Giving Tuesday as well as merch ask for Giving Tuesday as well. Again, it’s all about the CONTENT and finding moments in time where your content will be relevant to make the ask and have the biggest impact.
3. Impact over everything
Talking about our fave trend of going back to basics, it’s great to see more IMPACT pieces as well. Red Cross, Salvation Army and UNHCR are stellar examples of using great content, finding the right context (Christmas) and diversifying ask to show DIRECT IMPACT of giving a gift this Christmas. Too easy!
Championing content. Prioritising people. Illustrating impact. Diversifying donations. Simple, seductive digital fundraising at its sweetest is what 2023 is going to be all about. And we’re here for it.
Can we help make your 2023 digital fundraising bright? Reach out and tell us how.