Last week, we lifted the veil on key terms for digital fundraising. Inspired by this list, this week we want to explore the idea of user-generated content (UGC). Doing exactly what it says on the tin, UGC is a catch-all term for any type of content that is created and shared by your users. Think photos, videos, competitions, blogs, stories and even reviews. Lots of corporate brands are turning to UGC, and we think there’s huge scope for charities and non-profits to get involved too.
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We love how creative the third sector can be. Even in these COVID-times, charities are rising to the challenge, pivoting campaigns, and embracing the world of digital fundraising. It isn’t easy. Particularly with so many organisations clamouring for clicks. For every success story, another organisation is struggling to get its message out there. So we put our heads together and created this checklist to help your charity drive more donors to its online charity fundraising campaign.
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Crowdfunding. It does what it says on the tin. Designed to help you raise money from a ‘crowd’ of people, it sounds simple enough in theory – but the reality isn’t always so straight forward. Did you know that there is more than one type of crowdfunding model? Apparently so. Fortunately, this is a fundraising blog, so we’ll be focussing our efforts on donation-based, rather than equity and revenue-sharing campaigns (phew). For sure, crowdfunders can be an effective way to raise funds, especially for start-up initiatives and ventures. But, like all things in fundraising, they aren’t necessarily the right choice for everyone, and they are not a quick fix. You can’t just launch a crowdfunding campaign and wait for the money to roll in. If you want it to be successful, you are going to need to put time, energy and planning into its delivery.
That means doing some research and choosing the right platform for your campaign (remember to compare features and fees). You don’t have a lot of space, so use it wisely. Take care to show your need, outline your vision, and the funds you need to get there. If you can, add a video, photos, quotes and website links. You don’t need a big budget for this, but you do need to tell an authentic story and show prospective donor’s that you’re a trustworthy organisation with an achievable ask.
Ready to go? Not quite. Before you click publish take a step back to think about what you’ll do when the page goes live.
New to the world of crowdfunding? Here are a few tips to help get you started:
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Ramadan, the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. Remembering the gift of the first Quran chapters to the Prophet Muhammad, fasting begins at first sunlight every day and ends as the sun sets (Iftar). It is a powerful symbol of unity, and a time of reflection, worship, personal and spiritual growth. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, charity plays a huge part in everyday life for Muslims around the world. But never is the act more encouraged (or more welcome) than during the month of Ramadan – particularly in the final 10 days leading up to Eid ul Fitr. In fact, data shows UK Muslims donating an average of £38 every second of every day for 30 days. That’s £100 million raised in a single month. Not bad, huh?
With more than 3.4 million Muslims living across the UK, Ramadan is an important date on the charitable giving calendar and we want to help you make the most of it.
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This article was written by Lucy Gower, Founder and Director of Lucidity.org.uk
Uncertainty is a natural and unavoidable part of life. None of us have a job for life, a guarantee of good health, or absolute certainty over what tomorrow will bring. As the pandemic has shown, life can change quickly and unpredictably.
The challenge is that human beings seek certainty. When we’re faced with uncertainty our brain believes our safety is threatened. This triggers a fight, flight or freeze response. When we’re in a fight, flight or freeze state our ability to make decisions, collaborate and solve problems is impaired. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well being. In an uncertain world, our need for certainty fuels worry and anxiety and makes the management of uncertainty for ourselves, and our organisations an important skill for charity leaders.
Six tips to help you manage uncertainty
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From religious feasts to folklore tradition, February 14th has been a day of celebration for centuries past, but it didn’t become an expression of romantic love until the 18th century. Since then, the idea has bloomed, with Finder putting the public spend at £1.45 billion in 2020. It might sound romantic, but beneath all the pink and fluff there lies hot debate, with many individuals and organisations questioning the commercial value that has come to characterise this unique day.
Certainly, this last year has taught us something about the value of love. Not just between partners, but between family, friends and colleagues – many of whom have experienced heartbreaking loss, or are counting the days until they are reunited. In a world where we are physically distant, it is hard not to feel alone. That’s why, this February 14th, we want to help brighten up someone’s day. That doesn’t mean running out and buying a card or over-priced box of heart-shaped chocolates. No.
This year, we want to share some of the more creative tools charities have used (and are using) to help spread the love. Whether you want to give supporters a socially distant way to show they care, or check in on your donor relationships more generally, this Valentine’s Day is your chance to make someone smile.
Who couldn’t do with one of those?
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No-one knows who coined the phrase, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’. Whoever it was, they got it right. 2020 was probably one of the toughest charities have ever faced. But every cloud has a silver lining.
Looking back over this last year, you should be proud of the way the sector has responded, and of the creativity, resilience and determination charities showed - despite the sudden removal of traditional face-to-face means and methods.
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Everywhere you go these days, people are talking about TikTok. The latest surging social media trend, you’re probably wondering what it’s all about, and if you should be on it? We know there can be a lot of pressure when it comes to social media for charities. There are so many platforms out there, it can be easy to spread yourself too thin. We don’t want to advocate that. But we do want to help your charity track the social media landscape and stay ahead of any potential ‘digital disruptions’. So take five minutes and travel with us into the world of TikTok. Maybe it’s the platform for you, maybe it isn’t. Before you decide, you need to gather the information that will help your charity make that decision.
Ready? Let’s start at the beginning…
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Mirror, mirror on the wall, what does 2021 have in store for us all?
Don’t know the answer? We don’t blame you. If the last year has shown us anything, it’s that things can change. Quickly. Vaccines might be rolling out, but with the country now under Lockdown 3.0, the coronacoaster is far from over. That does not mean you shouldn’t plan, but it does make the process a little harder. So what will charity fundraising look like in 2021? Sadly, we don’t have a magic mirror. But we do have 25 years’ experience working with charities and non-profits, and this year, we think we’ll see the sector:
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Congratulations! You made it to 2021. You might be glad to escape the coronacoaster that was last year, but whilst the going has been tough, we would be doing the sector a disservice if we didn’t take the time to reflect on the highs. It has not been easy, but it hasn’t all been doom and gloom. So read on, and check out our five favourite fundraising moments from 2020 and the lessons we can all learn.
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