19 Jul How To Grow a Nonprofit in 2022 and 2023: 3 Things That Work

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic—in the midst of a global supply-chain crisis and inflation upswing—organizations of all kinds are being challenged to assess the new landscape and figure out how to move forward. Many nonprofits have been hit especially hard, according to a National COVID-19 Community Impact Survey.

• Demand for services has increased.
• Expenses have increased.
• Staffing levels are down.
• Individual and corporate donations are down.

While not all nonprofits have been affected in these ways, most have been impacted in at least one or two. The good news is that despite the challenges, there are also excellent opportunities for nonprofits that want to grow and thrive. Here are three that work.

1.) Social media works.

Done right, social media will engage your supporters. Facebook remains the most widely used platform, but TikTok is more popular among the under-30 crowd. Image- and video-driven causes play well on Instagram. Use social media to:

• Post videos and images that tell your story.
• Show your happy volunteers finding meaning in what they do (including livecasting).
• Announce and build giving campaigns.
• Invite supporters to share your posts

Use specific hashtags to target your work in your community. Piggyback on top of more general hashtags to center your work within a broader context. It may take a while to build your follower base organically, but don’t give up. Create a social media plan and stick to it.

When anyone engages with a comment or question, be sure to respond with thanks or an answer. If your organization is favorably tagged in someone else’s post, share it right away.

And don’t forget to ask for donations at the end of every post. According to Nonprofits Source, 55% of people who engage with nonprofits on social media take some kind of action— 59% donate money, 53% volunteer and 40% purchase a product that benefits the nonprofit. So be sure to tell visitors why, how, and where to give. Include giving links and/or instructions.

2.) Mobile works.

More than 85% of American adults now rely on smartphones. Among the 49 and under crowd, that number is 95%.

Your stakeholders are using their mobile phones for everything. Make sure your website and emails are mobile-responsive. As much as possible, use mobile tools and apps for all aspects of your operations. For example, use a volunteer sign-up app for volunteer management and event planning.

MobileAxept’s ReachNow feature allows you to text compelling content to your donors and volunteers. Announce exciting wins. Text updates and reminders on events and campaigns. Share inspiration or calls for volunteers. You can even text images! Fostering stakeholder engagement is the most fundamental task nonprofits have, and smart texting is a great way to do this.

People like interacting with organizations that make it easy and rewarding for them to participate. So use mobile-friendly tools that feel good and are clear and simple.

3.) Text giving works.

According to a recent survey, 85% of smartphone users prefer texting to emails. The open rate for marketing emails hovers around 20%, but for marketing texts it’s nearly 100%.

Which is why mobile fundraising via text is the best opportunity you have to grow giving and build relationships. With MobileAxept’s GiveNow tool, you can text supporters about specific, timely needs and ask for contributions. Donors can also use GiveNow to track their donations. It’s a win-win.

To start growing your nonprofit in 2022 and beyond, reach out to MobileAxept today.