In any given year, nonprofit professionals face a mix of significant accomplishments and relentless challenges. From donor expectations to new technology, the landscape is constantly innovating. Nonprofits must keep up to achieve their desired goals, or risk being left behind — along with the communities they serve.
To maximize your organization’s potential, here are some recommendations from NonProfit PRO for bringing in more donations, engaging more donors and improving communications to make your mission’s mark in 2020.
#1. Form non-traditional partnerships. With the changing political climate, nonprofits are shying away from government sources to help fund their operations. Instead, they’re building partnerships across new sectors to help protect their organizations from political uncertainty.
In the healthcare industry, for example, providers want to reduce the incidence of low-income patients being continuously readmitted because they have nowhere else to go. The solution? Stable housing. By providing disadvantaged patients with a place to live, it creates an opportunity for housing providers to partner with health systems to mutually benefit each people in need.
#2. Execute mobile-first technology. Are donors checking emails on their desktops or smartphones? The donor landscape continues to shift across generations, and nonprofits need to reach them in an increasingly mobile environment. This creates the urgency to understand and implement mobile-first technologies.
Don’t just accommodate mobile users with a full version of software that they must load onto their tablets. Give them information that’s designed specifically for mobile and touchscreen interfaces.
#3. Harness the power of AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology carries the ability to improve proficiencies and outcomes in various areas of the nonprofit sector.
For example, chatbot technology can be used to increase donor engagement across your social media pages. Or, you can use predictive analytics to optimize your campaigns to better speak to your donor base. The growing availability of AI and its ease of incorporation into your current processes holds great many possibilities.
#4. Focus on recurring gifts. Monthly giving allows donors to spread their contributions throughout the course of the year — so do your part to make it easier and more convenient. Leverage technology to set up monthly giving options.
Not only does this this provide a better idea of the giving forecast, it also offers stability to coincide with your year-round fundraising efforts. Remember, your nonprofit’s ability to expand giving options across multiple touchpoints — text, mobile, desktop, mail, etc. — plays a huge factor in the overall success of your efforts.
#5. Provide authentic communication. When it comes to your board, one of the biggest challenges is finding ways for members to connect with the cause. Like donors, board members are likely willing to volunteer and devote their time and energy to your organization because they have a natural affinity for its mission.
So, give them opportunities to experience the mission at work. Let them interact with the community and see first-hand how your organization is making a difference. This will help keep them engaged and enthusiastic in their roles, as well as generate new perspectives and ideas.
There’s no time like the present for establishing a fresh outlook. To strengthen your outreach and make a stronger impact, consider how you can best utilize these strategies to meet your organization’s specific goals and needs.