As the pandemic has driven many charitable organisations to adopt a digital-first strategy, what are the emerging trends that have come from this?
Take a read of our tech trend roundup to find out where you can take your strategy next to stay ahead of current trends.
Virtual Reality
VR has huge potential to enable people to literally see a scenario through another pair of eyes, making it a useful tool to build empathy and a deep understanding of an alternate reality.
Alzheimers Research UK created a “Walk Through Dementia” app which gives people an opportunity to experience the daily life of someone who has dementia.
The main character, Anne, goes on a shopping trip, walks home, and makes a cup of tea and these scenarios demonstrate what this is like with dementia symptoms.
This was also used as a training resource for carers, students, and health professionals to understand symptoms that aren’t well-known.
Digital Communication
Many charities have moved away from traditional leaflets, posters and on-street fundraising to digital methods. Instead of communicating via paper, charities can reach existing and potential donors online with social media and email marketing.
Digital fundraising can offer simple, quick, and easy methods for donation without the need to spend time on filling forms or supplying reams of information.
After the events of the pandemic, donations by text have risen in popularity in 2020. This donation method is used by large charities including Save the Children and Marie Curie and can be for one-off and recurring donations.
CRM software is a tool that can be used for omnichannel digital communication and fundraising. For example, our non-profit clients use CiviCRM to manage grants, hold webinars, send email newsletters, and more in one place.
Social Media Promotion
Social media presents so many exciting opportunities to interact with and engage with your audience and reach new audiences. Social media allows you to
Charities have begun investing heavily in social media promotion and marketing to share awareness.
Last December Great Ormond Street ran a campaign called #Whamageddon on Twitter which asked their followers to donate if they couldn’t avoid hearing Wham’s “Last Christmas” before Christmas day.
Digital financial platforms
Cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin) has been making waves in the digital space over the last decade, and there are now opportunities for charities to use this to their advantage.
Using digital fundraising techniques, charities can use cryptocurrency as a type of donation currency.
The benefits of offering cryptocurrency is that it can eliminate foreign exchange costs for donors, and makes it easier to track and trace where donations are being spent.
Charities that have started offering cryptocurrency as a form of payment include the RNLI, Save the Children, and Breast Cancer Support.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, is a type of software powered by machine learning and algorithms. You’ve probably even used AI before, such as chatbots.
Non-profit organisations have even been built on AI, for example AI for Good works with the UN to drive forward their goals for sustainable development.
Gamification
Gamification is when games are used as part of a promotional campaign. This can include gaming apps and websites, quizzes, and live streams.
With the digital transformation of charities, many have started to use games to draw in donors with an entertaining approach.
Comic Relief ran a multiple series campaign which involved livestream videos of popular comedians playing the game “Dungeons and Dragons” which resulted in thousands of pounds in donations.
Find out more about improving your charity’s digital capabilities by getting in touch with our team.
