By Sue Moretti Bodson
Tony Robbins is famously credited with saying it, and most of us would agree that giving is the key to living a fulfilling life. We make a vital difference for nonprofits by supporting causes we believe in with our time, talent, and treasure. Through giving, we also make a difference in society, our communities, and how we feel. In fact, individuals are responsible for 64% of all charitable contributions, according to Giving USA.
While writing a check is a common way to contribute to philanthropic causes, it’s not the only way. Volunteering and attending charitable events are equally effective ways to get involved and make a difference. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, not-for-profits have a higher trust level at 52%, surpassing the media, government, and big business. However, this also means that almost half of us still need to have high levels of trust in charities. What could be more impactful than giving our time and witnessing firsthand the positive impact these organizations have?
In addition to direct donations, what are some easy ways to support a nonprofit? Your personal actions of support contribute to the backbone of a nonprofit, and sharing your activities can be very beneficial. By using technology and social media for nonprofit fundraising, you can spread the word quickly and with impact by using your network, which can help a nonprofit access a wide range of resources to reach a broader audience and secure sustainable income streams.
One innovative approach to fundraising using technology is crowdfunding, which raises small amounts of money from a large number of people through online platforms. This method allows nonprofits to share their missions and causes with a wide range of potential donors, making reaching their fundraising goals easier. Just look at the ALS Ice-Bucket Challenge, which went viral on social media and drenched countless individuals. According to an independent research group, the 2014 challenge resulted in a 187 percent increase in annual research funding for The ALS Association worldwide. According to ALSA, the Ice Bucket Challenge dramatically accelerated the fight against the disease. It funded the work that led to the discovery of five new genes associated with ALS and novel drug therapies. In the last year alone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two new treatments for ALS, both developed with funds from the challenge. Today, researchers are considered closer than ever to making ALS a livable and, eventually, curable disease. A decade ago, it started with a bucket of ice, and now ALS treatment clinics in the U.S. nearly doubled, and funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health rose from $49 million a year in 2015 to a projected $220 million in 2024.
Another efficient use of technology in fundraising is peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. In this approach, nonprofits encourage their supporters or volunteers to raise funds on their behalf by creating personal donation pages on various online platforms. It not only helps in reaching new donors but also makes the fundraising process more personal and engaging. For example, every year for the past 20+ years, my family has participated in the Walk MS in honor of my great Uncle Tony Bongo, who lived with Multiple Sclerosis for over 50 years. It has become a treasured tradition for the “Bongo Bunch” to walk together and generate funding and exposure for a great cause.
Nonprofits will continue to innovate in 2024 as they strategize ways to generate revenue. As individuals, we all play a crucial role in their prosperity. Sadly, the past two years have shown a decline in charitable contributions, increasing the demand for aid. Thankfully, our community is home to a diverse range of charitable and service-based organizations that address various needs on a local, national, and even global scale. From attending in-person events to sharing what you care about with your friends and network to volunteering and donating, there are many opportunities to lean in and make a difference. #livingisgiving
Sue Moretti Bodson is President and Founder of Emboss LLC, an event and fundraising firm focused on supporting non-profits. Her professional experience includes several high-profile marketing and public relations roles and as a freelance editor and copywriter for over two decades. Sue’s volunteer work currently includes serving on the Bruce Museum Board of Trustees since 2019 and as the Co-Chair of the Development Committee. She is a member of the Board of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Greenwich and Co-Chair of the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation.
